Last year was not a good year for the San Francisco Giants as they followed up their World Series title in 2012, with a 76-86 record. The majority of their solid young core of players return, as the Giants look to make it back to the playoffs. Vegas odds have the Giants at +450 to win the NL West, +900 to win the NL Pennant and +2000 to win the World Series.
Last year the Giants were 21st in runs scored (629), 29th in homeruns (107) and 8th in batting average (.260). Obviously this is not a team built on power, but they do have a solid group of offensive player that will do the little things to produce runs. Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro are a very nice duo o=at the top of the lineup as both get on base and have speed as well, while Brandon Belt isn’t a great hitter for average, but will drive in some runs. The 4-6 holes consist of Buster Posey, Hunter Pence and Pablo Sandoval and that trio is really their only hope for power on the team. The Giants did go out and get Michael Morse, but he has really faded the last two years and hit just .215 last year, while struggling in the spring this year. This will again be an average, but they may hit a few more homeruns if the middle of their lineup can stay healthy.
The Giants has always had solid pitching, but last year that was just not the case as they finished ranked 22nd in the league in ERA (4.00). Out in San Francisco is Barry Zito and in steps Tim Hudson, who could end up being one of the most consistent starters on the staff. Tim has yet to have a losing year in his career and he has a 3.44 ERA to go along with his 205-111 career mark. Madison Bumgarner looks like he will be the # 1 starter on the team and will be followed Matt Cain, who had a horrendous first half of last year (5.06 ERA), but then had a strong second half, with a 2.36 ERA after the All-Star break. Tim Lincecum has really struggle the last two years, posing a 20-29 record and a 4.76 ERA over that stretch. Ryan Vogelsong should be the 5th starter and looks to bounce back from an injury filled year. The bullpen is young but very good, with Sergio Romo as the closer and Javier Lopez and Santiago Casilla setting up for him. Also Sandy Rosario had a solid first year in the majors. This is a very good bullpen and will be needed, especially if the staff is inconsistent again.
Outlook: The Giants will not scare many with their offense, but I still expect them to be a bit more productive than last year. They need to stay healthy though as their bench is a concern, with little proven talent on it. The pitching staff should be better with the addition of Hudson and a healthy Vogelsong, plus if Cain can pitch like he did in the 2nd half of last year. The pen is a strength on this team, but if injuries hit, there is little depth there as well. San Fran will be improved over last year, but not nearly enough to catch the Dodgers in the West.
Info gathered from FoxSports.com and CBSSports.com
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