The Giants, surprisingly, had an easier route to the NL West title than people thought. Everyone had the Dodgers as the favorite after acquiring Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett at the trade deadline which was supposed to solidify a strong lineup. It didn’t, and the Giants pulled away to take the crown while LA missed out on the playoffs altogether.
The Giants pitching staff, which consists of five starters that started 30+ games and won at least 10, is anchored by Matt Cain, who took over as staff ace after Tim Lincecum struggled throughout the year. Three of the five starters have won at least 15 games while four have over 150 strikeouts. This staff could be the best in baseball and should be if Lincecum can come back to the “Big Time Timmy Jim” of old.
Matt Cain – 16 – 5 2.79 ERA 1.04 WHIP 193 K’s (1 Perfect Game)
Madison Bumgarner – 16 – 11 3.37 ERA 1.11 WHIP 191 K’s
Barry Zito – 15 – 8 4.15 ERA 1.39 WHIP 114 K’s
Ryan Vogelsong – 14 – 9 3.46 ERA 1.25 WHIP 151 K’s
Tim Lincecum – 10 – 15 5.18 ERA 1.47 WHIP 190 K’s
This is where it could get tricky. If the Giants go to a four-man rotation, who will be the 4th? Lincecum or Zito? Both will make the roster and whoever doesn’t make the rotation should be a very valuable piece in the bullpen.
The Melky Cabrera-less offense continued to win ballgames without their leading slugger putting them into the NLDS. They are led by NL batting champion, Buster Posey (.337 AVG 24 HR 102 RBI) and the “Kung Foo Panda”, Pablo Sandoval (.282 AVG 12 HR 63 RBI). They have speed with Alex Pagan (29/36 SB 95 R) and Gregor Blanco (26/31 SB 56 R). Brandon Belt (.276 AVG 56 RBI 47 R) and Hunter Pence (.221 AVG 45 RBI 28 R in 58 Games) also will contribute.
The Giants will start the NLDS at home vs. Cincinnati on Saturday at 6:30. (TBS TV)
Record vs. opponents
Cincinnati – 3 – 4
Washington – 1 – 5
Atlanta – 4 – 3
St. Louis – 3 – 3
Photo Credits: Getty Images
