Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Giants Finish Hot July

Since July 3, the Giants have posted a 21-6 Win-Loss record, good for best in the majors, and also managed to reach 20 wins in a month for the first time since September 2000; and it's not just because of their top-notch rotation. During the month of July, the Giants scored 149 runs, ranking 2nd in the majors behind the New York Yankees (150 Runs and it may also be taken into consideration that the Yankees play with a DH)...The Giants averaged 5.3 runs per game, which is significant if you consider the following statistics:

Giants' record when they score 4 or more: 49-8
Giants' record when they score less than 4: 12-37

This offensive outburst has not been due solely to one player, but a collective effort: Buster Posey had an NL-leading 43 hits in July, and 24 RBIs (T-3rd in NL); Andres Torres now stands 2nd in the NL with 33 doubles; Aubrey Huff is 3rd in the NL in OPS; and clutch hits have come from the likes of Pat Burrell, Travis Ishikawa, Juan Uribe, Aaron Rowand, and Edgar Renteria. Don't forget about Sandoval, either. He seems poised for an eventual return, especially now that he is relieved of some of the pressure to perform offensively.

Pitching, of course, has been a factor as usual. In 4 starts since the All Star break, Matt Cain has posted a 1.54 ERA; Tim Lincecum has a 2.87 ERA for the second half; Madison Bumgarner has not given up more than 3 ER in any start since his debut on June 26 against the Red Sox; and all 4 of Zito's 2nd half starts have been quality, the worst coming against the Marlins (3 ER in 6.1 IP).

Lastly, the Giants have addressed their bullpen weaknesses with the acquisitions of Ramon Ramirez (Rightys hit just .210 against him) and Javier Lopez (Lefty specialist with a 2.79 ERA).

The keys to the Giants' success seem clear now:
Keep up the good starting pitching
Andres Torres as a catalyst at the top of the lineup (41-23 when he leads off)
Buster Posey
Aubrey Huff
and Defense: Giants are 13-18 when committing an error