Last year, whenever the Giants fell behind (even by a run), it was cause for worry. This year? It's no big deal. When the Giants were down 1-0 early last night against the Padres, there were not any anxious feelings of not knowing when or if they'll score. These days, they are putting up crooked numbers on the scoreboard more frequently than any time in the last half-decade. At least it feels that way. Ohmygod, you guys, I just looked it up and the Giants are 5th in the National League in runs scored. 7th in OPS. It's a good thing the World Series will be over by December, because I'm thinking the Mayans may have been onto something (the first indication was when it looked like the Pirates might even finish with more wins than losses, but not even the end of the world is as powerful as the Barry Bonds Curse*)
So how'd we get here? We're not used to describing the Giants as low-stress. But that's exactly what this run has been. Somehow, Posey hasn't slowed down. Pagan has turned out to be one of the most productive leadoff men in the league. If Scutaro played left field, I don't think anyone would have even noticed that Melky got suspended (when he was up last night with 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd, I said out loud "oh good, Scutaro's up. That's 2 more runs." And he delivered as usual). Even Crawford has hit better than expected. Add it all up, and you've got a team who has disposed of their division rivals quicker than any year since 2003.
What if the pitching staff was hucking it like they were in 2010? Good night. The Giants would be the overwhelming favorite to take the trophy home. And that's an exciting thought. This year's staff, personnel-wise, isn't very different from where it was 2 years ago. Voglesong replaced Sanchez, and Brian Wilson is out this year. But other than that, it's built the same. Of course, the biggest difference of all is the quality of Tim Lincecum. And maybe his decline, along with the Wilson injury, is most of what you need to explain why this year's team ERA is 5th best rather than THE best. Last year, the Giants were 55-9 (.859) when scoring 4 or more runs. This year they're 71-19 (.788). Those numbers do a good job explaining the differences between this year's team and last. But yeah, if the pitching resembled what it did in 2010, watch out. Just another reason why it was a sound strategy by the Giants to clinch early -- the starters, as a group, look pretty gassed. I imagine they'll have a light load the rest of the regular season.
Will the hot hitting continue into the playoffs? That question induces less excitement for me. I'm a bit worried Scutaro and the others will fall back to Earth. Not only that, but during this run of catching and then separating themselves from the Dodgers, they haven't exactly faced a ton of playoff aces. And then there's the whole rust vs. rest thing to consider. Still, there's no reason the avalanche of hits can't continue. It only has to last a bit longer.
Circling back to the Melky situation. Pretty crazy that at the time, his suspension was a good candidate for low-light of the season and a turning point for the worse. But since he walked out of the clubhouse without saying goodbye to anyone, they're 25-10. If they make it to the NLCS, should they bring him back? From a baseball point of view, yes. They could use a left-fielder who is competent at the plate. But chemistry-wise, I'm not sure it be wise. Players tend to take it personally when other players use PEDs, as they should. For every player who improves his play by using them, a different player loses his job. So to insert that distraction back int the clubhouse could be trouble. But only the players can speak to that accurately. Would be cool if he became a hero, though.
11 more wins, folks.
*Just in case you're not aware, the Pirates haven't had a winning season since Barry left them. That was 1992. Kneel before Bonds! He went to the Giants in the best free agent signing in the history of sports. Thanks, guys.
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