Yogi Berra is the greatest philosopher in the history of the civilized world. This is a proven fact. But he is quoted way too often this time of year — especially his observation about “it” not being over until “it” is over. Can we please give “It” a rest, please?

Among Mr. Berra’s most underrated quotes, however, is this gem: “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.”
Exhibit No. 1: Your theoretical San Francisco Giants.
In theory, they should have been out of the playoff race a while ago. In theory, any team that treats plate appearances as an excuse to practice fly-swatter technique has no business staying in the playoff hunt this long.
In theory, the Giants lack of plate discipline should kill them. They easily have the fewest number of bases on balls in the major leagues. Entering Tuesday’s game against Colorado, the Giants had taken 183 fewer bases on balls than their opponents. (By comparison, the Rockies had 125 more bases on balls than their opponents.)
In theory, because fewer walks always translate into fewer runs — and the Giants have scored the fifth fewest runs in the entire major leagues — not even a team with such a good pitching staff should be able to stay in contention.
Finally, in theory, this week’s three game series against Colorado is the most crucial series of the season and will determine the Giants fate. Which is why winning Tuesday night’s game to get in position for a series sweep was so important.
In theory, these theories are good theories. In practice, they aren’t.
Because here is the truth about the last few weeks of a baseball season: All that matters is what is happening now. Right now. Not one pitch ago. This pitch. And then the next one, when it becomes right now.
The Giants were proving it again Tuesday at AT&T Park. Their history as non-picky hitters? Forget it. In the first inning against shaky Colorado starter Ubaldo Jimenez, two of the first three Giant batters — Eugenio Velez and Randy Winn — actually waited out four balls and walked to first base. Pablo Sandoval then came to the plate, followed form, and struck out on four pitches.
After that, Bengie Molina came up and hit a sure thing double-play grounder to Colorado third baseman Garrett Atkins — who booted it. Instead of the inning being over, Juan Uribe was able to step up and drive in two runs with a hard single to left. And then Travis Ishikawa hit a sacrifice fly. The Giants were up 3-0.
They would stretch the lead to 7-1 by the fifth inning, thanks to other wonders. Starting pitcher Barry Zito executed a perfect sacrifice bunt. Bengie Molina, who once finished third in a match race with molasses, ran home from third base on a grounder to shortstop and made a perfect slide to be called safe.
All of this helped put the Giants in position to close within 2› games of Colorado by tonight by winning all three games here. But none of that will matter if the Giants proceed to have their brains bashed in by the Dodgers this weekend in Los Angeles. The Giants, remember, have lost four of the past six games between the two teams.
And that is why, as theoretically happy as the last two nights have been on the banks of McCovey Cove, the practical result is only to keep the next 19 days relevant.
Long term, here should be the Giants’ mission: to be either tied for the wild-card lead or within one game of it entering the final six games of the season. Three are at home against Arizona, three at San Diego. Meanwhile, the Rockies play Milwaukee (in Denver) and the Dodgers (at Chavez Ravine).
If those six games are the season, the Giants can reach the postseason. If not, they won’t. So until then, pay attention to the next pitch. That’s all. Theoretically, practically and otherwise.