In the wake of Bryan Stow beating, air all gone from Dodgers-Giants rivalry

It used to be such fun. One of the greatest rivalries in sports. Making little digs at the Giants and their fans. An open invitation to go over the top.

Only now, there’s no joy in it. Now it’s a tempered rivalry, almost subdued.

Even if in your deepest heart, you would still enjoy nothing more than a Giants pratfall of some sort, it is no longer comfortable to wave it as if it's some personal banner.

Bryan Stow’s savage beating at Dodger Stadium on opening day changed all that. Maybe not forever, but certainly for now, for the immediate future.

It’s not just the taunting that now feels inappropriate, but even good-natured teasing.

Stow remains in guarded condition. According to a website dedicated to Stow, he underwent surgery Friday to replace a bone flap in his skull that was removed in April to ease swelling. It’s still all so sobering.

The Dodgers start a three-game series Monday night in San Francisco against the Giants, who for now, no longer feel their bitter rivalry.

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Photo: A Giants fan stands for the singing of the national anthem prior to the start of a game between the Giants and Dodgers on May 18. Credit: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images