Post by Rog on Jun 16, 2014 16:27:58 GMT -5
The Giants have now lost six of their last seven games. How worried should we be?
At this point, I would say not much.
Let's be honest, until the past seven games, the Giants were playing over their heads. They were without their second baseman the entire season and their first baseman for much of it. Other key players suffered lesser injuries.
Pablo Sandoval is having a very down season, as is Joaquin Arias. The Giants just aren't a good enough team to overcome all those things and win two out of every three games. I can't think of a team that is.
How were the Giants doing it? Three primary reasons:
. Fabulous relief pitching that had allowed them to win every single game they led after 8 innings and all but one they led after 7. That couldn't last forever.
. Some fantastic two-out hitting with runners in scoring position. That can't last forever.
. Power like they haven't come close to seeing since the Barry Bonds days. That one seems a little iffy as well, although with Morse, Pence, Pablo, Posey and Belt, it might hold up.
So where do the Giants go now?
For the moment, I don't think a huge change is in order. The Giants are still 6 1/2 games in front. They're still running away with the NL West, but suddenly the other teams have begun running as well.
The Giants have some internal options if things start to go worse.
They have almost no rotational depth. That is why the name of Jeff Samardzija is coming up, no matter how it is spelled. On the other hand, they have a decent rotation, with the potential to be better. This would appear to be the area the Giants are least prepared to shore up from within.
The relief pitching has been the teams' top area of strength. Even with the hit it took over the weekend, it's been pretty good. And Santiago Casilla is about to return to shore up any weakness that has developed. Derek Law appears to be out with a serious elbow injury, but Heath Hembree has pitched serviceably at Fresno, and and Dan Runzler has been a pleasant surprise who could be useful as a third southpaw.
It would be nice if Buster Posey stopped getting hit behind the plate so often, but he has thus far been reasonably durable. Hector Sanchez is a decent backup who stays ready by catching every fifth game when Tim Lincecum pitches. Due to a concussion and hamstring woes, Fresno backstop Andrew Susac has had a hard time staying healthy, but he has been a very solid hitter when he plays.
Thanks to the versatility of Mike Morse, the Giants have been able to withstand the broken thumb of Brandon Belt. Posey also plays first base on occasion.
Second base is becoming more and more a black hole. Ehire Adrianza is getting the present shot, and the Giants say they haven't lost faith in Brandon Hicks. The Giants are said to now be hoping Marco Scutaro can return for part-time duty, so he doesn't appear to be the answer.
There is debate as to whether Fresno's Joe Panik is ready for major league duty. The Giants could wind up giving him a chance with enough time to act at the trade deadline if he isn't. Joaquin Arias has been a good stop gap in the past. Tony Abreu is a longshot if he ever gets healthy.
Brandon Crawford has done a nice job at shortstop, and Pablo Sandoval is improving his hitting at third. With Gregor Blanco and Tyler Colvin, the Giants have adequate backup for a good outfield of Morse, Pagan and Pence.
If they need a right-handed power bat, Adam Duvall and his 21 homers at Fresno is a possibility.
Overall, the Giants have a well-rounded team with decent starting pitching, good relievers, and a lineup with power to offset a so-so average. The defense has been decent, with Michael Morse thus far not hurting too much in left field.
As they stand right now, the Giants are at least close to being the best team in the National League and particularly in their division. They were due for a slump, and they found one.
As long as the slump doesn't become too extensive, the Giants are in an enviable position. And while their minor league trading chips have dwindled, they could probably put together a deal if they absolutely have to.
They may not even have to.
At this point, I would say not much.
Let's be honest, until the past seven games, the Giants were playing over their heads. They were without their second baseman the entire season and their first baseman for much of it. Other key players suffered lesser injuries.
Pablo Sandoval is having a very down season, as is Joaquin Arias. The Giants just aren't a good enough team to overcome all those things and win two out of every three games. I can't think of a team that is.
How were the Giants doing it? Three primary reasons:
. Fabulous relief pitching that had allowed them to win every single game they led after 8 innings and all but one they led after 7. That couldn't last forever.
. Some fantastic two-out hitting with runners in scoring position. That can't last forever.
. Power like they haven't come close to seeing since the Barry Bonds days. That one seems a little iffy as well, although with Morse, Pence, Pablo, Posey and Belt, it might hold up.
So where do the Giants go now?
For the moment, I don't think a huge change is in order. The Giants are still 6 1/2 games in front. They're still running away with the NL West, but suddenly the other teams have begun running as well.
The Giants have some internal options if things start to go worse.
They have almost no rotational depth. That is why the name of Jeff Samardzija is coming up, no matter how it is spelled. On the other hand, they have a decent rotation, with the potential to be better. This would appear to be the area the Giants are least prepared to shore up from within.
The relief pitching has been the teams' top area of strength. Even with the hit it took over the weekend, it's been pretty good. And Santiago Casilla is about to return to shore up any weakness that has developed. Derek Law appears to be out with a serious elbow injury, but Heath Hembree has pitched serviceably at Fresno, and and Dan Runzler has been a pleasant surprise who could be useful as a third southpaw.
It would be nice if Buster Posey stopped getting hit behind the plate so often, but he has thus far been reasonably durable. Hector Sanchez is a decent backup who stays ready by catching every fifth game when Tim Lincecum pitches. Due to a concussion and hamstring woes, Fresno backstop Andrew Susac has had a hard time staying healthy, but he has been a very solid hitter when he plays.
Thanks to the versatility of Mike Morse, the Giants have been able to withstand the broken thumb of Brandon Belt. Posey also plays first base on occasion.
Second base is becoming more and more a black hole. Ehire Adrianza is getting the present shot, and the Giants say they haven't lost faith in Brandon Hicks. The Giants are said to now be hoping Marco Scutaro can return for part-time duty, so he doesn't appear to be the answer.
There is debate as to whether Fresno's Joe Panik is ready for major league duty. The Giants could wind up giving him a chance with enough time to act at the trade deadline if he isn't. Joaquin Arias has been a good stop gap in the past. Tony Abreu is a longshot if he ever gets healthy.
Brandon Crawford has done a nice job at shortstop, and Pablo Sandoval is improving his hitting at third. With Gregor Blanco and Tyler Colvin, the Giants have adequate backup for a good outfield of Morse, Pagan and Pence.
If they need a right-handed power bat, Adam Duvall and his 21 homers at Fresno is a possibility.
Overall, the Giants have a well-rounded team with decent starting pitching, good relievers, and a lineup with power to offset a so-so average. The defense has been decent, with Michael Morse thus far not hurting too much in left field.
As they stand right now, the Giants are at least close to being the best team in the National League and particularly in their division. They were due for a slump, and they found one.
As long as the slump doesn't become too extensive, the Giants are in an enviable position. And while their minor league trading chips have dwindled, they could probably put together a deal if they absolutely have to.
They may not even have to.