Six months ago, most of us thought that we would be wrapping up the season by now. A month ago, most of us thought we would be starting an exciting month to the end. Today? Today, we know this series gives us a shot at dropping the Giants back enough that they may well not recover.

It's a big series, people. Let's go kick some ass.

Series Previews:

• [DBacks.com] Urgency setting in as Giants welcome D-backs - Whichever team comes out and makes a strong showing has some solid momentum on their side.

• [AZ Central] Diamondbacks, Giants to face off in crucial series
  - The Giants overcame a big deficit last year, but that was as much on the Padres collapse as their success. If the DBacks can keep up the pressure...

• [FS Arizona] D-backs can take a Giant step forward -Man, I'm not used to this late season pressure for the team. Hopefully they feel more ready for it than I do.

• [USA Today] First pitch: Giants try to cool down hot D'backs - Chickens, pandas, baby giraffes- man, the Giants come up with some awful nicknames.

• [LA Times] D'Backs, Giants start key series in San Fran - A lot of people seem pretty sure that the DBacks could at least unofficially end the Giants run here.

• [Sporting News] Diamondbacks flying under radar, soaring above competition - It's great fun to watch this team come out of nowhere.

• [AZ Central] Diamondbacks' Chris Young critical in September pennant run - Remember a few days ago, when CY said Justin Upton was the defining factor for this team? Well, J-Up would shoot that right back at him. "If anybody's going to carry this team in September and I had to pick one, it's going to be Chris Young."

• [FS Arizona] D-backs among post-deadline trade winners - Well, we may have been skeptical, but we're undefeated since the trade, so obviously it worked out... Right?

• [ArizonaSports.com] Robby Hammock back and hanging with the D-backs - Remember Robby Hammock from the Baby 'Backs? Well, he's 34 now. But back on the roster!

• [DBacks.com] Message received: Parra excelling for Arizona - Great play at the plate and in the field- Parra's really stepped up to be a big part of this team.

Around Baseball:

• [The Atlantic] The 'Moneyball' Effect: Are Sabermetrics Good for Sports? - Has all the added stats ruined the game? Well, seems a little overdramatic a phrasing to me, personally...

• [Big League Stew] Howard Johnson signs with minor league team to play with son - A cool story about different generations playing baseball together. 

• [ESPN] This season's turning points - ESPN picks nine points that changed the MLB season- the DBacks are #2, and there are some other important moment on the list.

• [The Washington Post] Judge allows Clemens retrial - It's the trial that would not die!

• [SI.com] Examining each of the eight playoff races in major league baseball - Sports Illustrated says we're the most compelling race still remaining, but they break down all the races.

• [ESPN] Ted Williams to be honored on postage stamp - There will also be stamps of Larry Doby, Willie Stargell and Joe DiMaggio put out by the post office next year.