Three thoughts about the Giants
1) Big win tonight after a disappointing loss to the Rockies last night. They remain four games back in the wildcard. If they do win the wild card, Travis Ishikawa’s home run tonight could be considered a turning point for the season.
2) The Giants have are in a difficult position right now. Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez are injured and the bullpen is weary. The hope is that they some of their veterans, such as Aaron Rowand and Randy Winn can step it up.
3) Even if the Giants do not get the wild card, their competitiveness is encouraging. The team is on the rise. They have Lincecum and Cain, of course. Zito might be turning the corner and adjusting to his declining velocity. His second half pitching has been nothing short of superb. Sanchez is coming around as well. Throw in Madison Baumgartner, the Giants top pitching prospect, and you have an excellent young rotation. If MadBaum is not ready, there is a chance Noah Lowry could come back. The bullpen should also remain relatively intact, with Bob Howry being the only loss. The offense should improve as Sandoval, Ishikawa and co. develop. The team also has some money to throw around with Randy Winn and Randy Johnson set to become free agents. I would use that money to add a solid power hitting outfielder and a set up guy for the bullpen. The rest of the money should be saved to resign the young pitchers.
The lineup next year should look like
1) Lewis, LF (assuming they do not sign another OF)
2) Sanchez, 2B
3) Sandoval, 3B
4) Posey/Molina, C
5) Garko/Ishikawa, 1B
6) Schierholz, RF
7) Rowand, CF
Renteria, SS
The problem with the lineup is there are few scary hitters. The team has a number of solid guys (Garko, Sanchez, Rowand) but no dangerous power hitters. The offense will only improve if Posey is better than Molina, which is unclear for at least next year. In the long run, he should hit for a higher average, get on base more and possibly provide more power than Bengi. Schierholz is another key. He has the potential to hit around .280-.290 and possibly knock in 20 HRs. The question is whether he will be given the opportunity to reach that potential.
Renteria is clearly the weakest link here. My hope is that the team starts Uribe, who has been a much better hitter, and use Edgar as a utility guy. We will see.
