Tag Archives: Pitching Rotation

San Francisco Giants: Their Optimal Second-Half Starting Rotation

 

The fact that the San Francisco Giants finished the first half 12 games above .500 is no fluke.

Despite having the third-worst offense in the league based on runs scored and the second-worst offense based on OPS, the defending world champs went into the All-Star break in first place in the NL West, with a healthy three-game lead over the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks.

Three of the Giants’ five All-Stars came from the pitching rotation, which was well-deserved. Through Wednesday’s game, the rotation has a 3.19 ERA and has earned quality starts in 65 out of their 99 starts.

Still, with the Ryan Vogelsong far outperforming expectations and the uncertainty of Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito, the rotation is in a bit of flux.

Here is how I see the ideal starting rotation coming out of the All-Star break. Continue reading →

Buster Posey: Seven Reasons the Giants Superstar Should Never Catch Again

The San Francisco Giants were two separate teams last year. Before Buster Posey joined the team on May 29, they were 25-22, in third place in the NL West, and 2.5 games back of first place. 

With the offense struggling, Posey carried the team to a playoff berth and, eventually, a World Series win. With Posey, the Giants went 67-48, finishing the year 92-70.

Posey was more than a spark for the Giants offense; he helped maintain the quality of their biggest strength: pitching. The Giants pitching staff finished the year with a 3.36 ERA, the best in the majors.

The staff shut out opposing teams 17 times, led the majors in strikeouts, and held opposing batters to just a .236 batting average.

In 2011, tragedy struck. With Giants fans looking forward to a full year of their young, baby-faced savior, Posey was cut down in a collision at the plate when Marlins pinch hitter Scott Cousins crashed shoulder-first into Posey, knocking him back and out of the game.

Later, X-rays showed that Posey suffered a broken fibula and torn ligaments in his ankle, and that he would require season-ending surgery. Posey has announced his intention to return to the catcher position after he recovers.

However, with the talent and value that he has as a hitter and team leader, here are seven reasons why Buster Posey should never play catcher again. Continue reading →

Episode 34: Hammerin’ Hank

From the press box

Episode 34: Hammerin’ Hank, is out!

In the thirty-fourth episode, Thomas and Danny talk with Henry Schulman, Giants beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, about roster moves we may see, Brandon Belt’s development, bullpen management, catcher replacements, and workplace rivalries.

Check it out on iTunes, or on the RSS feed, or by clicking on the play button below. We look forward to your feedback, either by commenting here on the blog, emailing us at giantspod@gmail.com, or our Twitter feed.

Go Giants!