The Giants have shown they can hold their own with their current
lineup, but are far from being a lock for the postseason. Even if
they do make the playoffs, they won’t go far.
One bat can change both forecasts.
I was a shocked as you were, Giants fans. Your team began this week atop the National League wild card race.
That was fun.
Then the Angels came to town and, well, did what the Angels typically do to excitement surrounding Giants baseball.
They swept it under the rug.
Looking at the pitching matchups going into this week’s three-game interleague series at AT&T Park, one would have expected the Giants to, at least, take one of three against their other loathed rival from Los Angeles … and Anaheim. That they were unable to do so, even with Tim Lincecum on the mound Wednesday, only confirms what you and every other San Francisco fan has been thinking since the start of this season: The Giants need another bat. Even with Barry Zito (3-7) and Jonathan Sanchez (2-7), they still possess, arguably, one of the strongest rotations in the NL, but it is naught without run support.
San Francisco ranks 14th out of the 16 teams in the league in scoring and dead last in home runs – two behind mighty Pittsburgh. The Giants’ batting average ranks sixth, but runs mean everything.
Brian Sabean has dropped hints that his team will shop for a big hitter at the All-Star break should it still be in playoff contention.
The time to make a trade, though, is now, Mr. Sabean, while your shiniest bargaining chip (pitching) still has clout in a shrinking market. Playoff hopeful teams, including the Phillies, Mets and Dodgers, are looking to add an arm, but are running out of time. Of the biggest names in trade talks, Jake Peavy is hurt, Chris Young is having shoulder problems, and Roy Halladay is not going to be dealt without some big cash and/or talent.
The Giants are in the same boat, albeit a different creek. They have shown they can hold their own with their current lineup, but are far from being a lock for the postseason. Even if they do make the playoffs, they won’t go far.
One bat can change both forecasts.
If the Giants are serious about playing in October, the front office needs to get serious about making a move – now. They can’t afford to wait until after the July 13-16 break, when the rest of the league will be chomping at the bit and raising demand.
To feel things out, the Giants should consider dangling Sanchez, an outfielder, one of their relievers (not Brian Wilson) and some minor league talent (not Buster Posey) in front of the pitching-starved, back-of-the-pack teams.
They should look at guys like Adam Dunn (.259 46 RBIs, 18 HRs) and Justin Upton (.308 Avg., 38 RBIs, 12 HRs). They’re pretty big hitters by today’s standard and only getting better at the plate.
You have to think Sabean and his chums have considered such a move. Sanchez, 26, has been the subject of several trade-talk articles despite his declining performance. Sources say the Giants are not close to landing any deals, but they need to get cracking.
As is, San Francisco can be a good team, but what’s the point of being a good team if there’s no reward in store? As is, these Giants are not better than the Dodgers, Cardinals, Brewers or Mets and, therefore, will not be playing in fall.
To me, the only thing more frustrating than a losing season is a winning season with no playoffs. Those are the ones that make you wonder what the team could have done to get over the hump.
It is hump day for San Francisco.
