The Giants are giving out (basically) free flights

San Francisco Giants starter Dereck Rodriguez reacts during a pitching change during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo) less San Francisco Giants starter Dereck Rodriguez reacts during a pitching change during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin ... more Photo: Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press

Once upon a time, the San Francisco Giants were in the throes of a hot streak and a long-shot playoff run. That was a few weeks ago. It's mid-September now, and the Giants are sitting with a 69-75 record, 8.5 games back of the…