The San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants once possessed a balance and depth that rhythmically proclaimed the sum was greater than the number of its parts. But the solid foundation that enabled this squad to win World Championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014 has developed a few cracks. The Giants will still be a good team this season, only now the question is, how good?

The Pitching Staff was once as good as it gets, but it’s fallen off a bit. It’s still very good. You have to like a starting quartet that includes Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Matt Moore. Unfortunately, teams need five starters, and the Giants will give aging Matt Cain, he of the 7.82 spring training ERA, another try. When teams owe a guy $21 million for the season, they try to get some production out of him. But the veteran has gone a collective 8-19 while averaging 80 innings pitched over the past three years. A good fifth starting pitcher can make the difference between first and second. Giants fans, get ready to welcome rookie Tyler Beede and his above average fastball into the rotation, probably by July 1st.

The depleted bullpen led MLB last season with 30 blown saves, and thankfully, it received reinforcements.  Lefty Will Smith was going to take up some of the slack, but he’s out for the season due to Tommy John surgery. That’s got to hurt. The good news? All Star Closer Mark Melancon was signed during the off season to a four -year contract, and he brings his outstanding 1.64 ERA and .0897 WHIP with him. In addition, left hander Ty Blach and right handers Derek Law, Hunter Strickland and George Kontos will all see plenty of action.

More Home Runs Please. The offense needs more power and will need everyone to contribute. Shortstop Brandon Crawford is a model of consistency. Second Baseman Joe Panik is going to have to improve on last year’s dismal .239 batting average. First Baseman Brandon Belt has a sharp eye and walks a lot, but he needs to increase his home run production (17) and cut down on his team-leading 148 strikeouts. Right Fielder Hunter Pence is a steady producer, but lost time as well as wear and tear have fans questioning his ability to stay on the field. Everyone cheers for former National League MVP Buster Posey, who is still a great player, but we note that his OPS, Slugging, Home Runs and Total Bases have all decreased over the past three seasons. A big power bat for this team, from somewhere, anywhere, would surely help.

The Intangibles. To look at the Giants on the diamond reveals All Stars past and present at almost every position. It’s said that to win championships teams have to be strong up the middle, and if you take the aforementioned Posey, Panik and Crawford and add Denard Span in center, you’ve got a great start. But talent isn’t the only thing this squad possesses. These players have the best type of experience, World Championship experience. The Giants know how to win. And they’re smart. The Giants are more than happy to beat you, but if they can’t, they’re also willing to hold serve until you beat yourself. A classic example was that 18-inning marathon win over the Washington Nationals in the deciding game of the 2014 National League Division Series. I was very tired when I watched that game and when I went to bed in the 15th inning I knew the Giants would win. They simply outlasted the Nationals and won the game.

The sum is greater than the number of its parts. If you take the deft handling of future Hall of Fame Manager Bruce Bochy and combine it with the talent, experience, and ability the players possess, you’ve got all the ingredients for continued success. So how good will the 2017 San Francisco Giants be? I believe this team is good enough to win its division and head into the playoffs. Just how deep they go will depend on good health, several players improving their performance and all of bullpen pieces coming together. It’s going to be an interesting year for the Giants, and in some ways a transitional one. Don’t take them lightly.