Pitching duel. One-run game. Exhilarating win. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? For the third consecutive day, the Giants found enough offensive clout to back their stellar pitching, the result being a perfect 6-0 homestand that gives them a 21-16 record on the year.
Credit the hitters for stringing together good at-bats against the electric Daniel Hudson, who recorded 10 strikeouts when he last faced the Giants on April 15th. Nate Schierholtz, Andres Torres, and Aubrey Huff all registered RBI hits in two-strike counts, and Matt Cain advanced a crucial runner after being drilled by a fastball on a bunt attempt that was ruled a foul ball. He also set season highs by amassing 7 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings, and left to a standing ovation. The bullpen added an inning and a third to the scoreless streak, but allowed both inherited runners to score in the 8th. Javier Lopez did his best Brian Wilson imitation by striking out the last two batters of the game to escape a 9th inning jam.
Notes:
Miguel Tejada and Mark DeRosa went a combined 0 for 7, and neither looked particularly good at the plate. Tejada’s pop up absolutely killed a possible rally in the 8th, putting a little extra pressure on the bullpen. Although two games is a small sample, DeRosa seems like a temporary solution until Sandoval returns. At shortstop however, Tejada and Mike Fontenot aren't cutting it, and there are no real internal options. The Giants seem like they're one good shortstop away from being a complete team, meaning that Jose Reyes trade rumors will surely pick up steam if the Giants are still in first place come July.
I wasn’t a big fan of the way Bruce Bochy used his bullpen today. Sergio Romo should be the favorite to close if Wilson unavailable, as he is clearly one of the best non-closer relievers in baseball. Yet, he was taken out after a measly leadoff single because Bochy wanted to get the lefty-lefty matchup. Just to make it clear, Romo should not be used as a righty-specialist. His career FIP against lefties (2.71) is nearly identical to his career FIP against righties (2.75). Although other peripheral numbers indicate that he is indeed tougher on same-handed batters, Romo is perfectly capable of working around a leadoff single.
The Outfield Situation:
The Giants have quite the crowded outfield, and that’s not even counting Brandon Belt, who is currently playing left field for Triple A Fresno. Other bloggers, such as Bay City Ball, have recently accessed this situation in depth, but here’s my personal take…
Nate the Great had a productive day, to say the least. He went 3 for 4 with a double, stole a base, and nailed a runner with a laser throw that you’ve probably already seen on Baseball Tonight. In the past few weeks, Schierholtz has worked his way into a larger role. He’s been getting more time against lefties, but even when he doesn’t start, he usually goes in as a defensive replacement. Essentially, this is the best opportunity he’s going to receive, and so far, he’s made the most of it.
Unfortunately, Nate’s return to prominence has taken away time from Pat Burrell, who is currently leading the Giants (besides Pablo Sandoval) in offensive production with a 123 wRC+. He may not seem like one of the National League’s top hitters, but his ability to draw walks is quite underrated. He also lacks a significant platoon split (.377 wOBA against lefties, .357 wOBA against righties), which makes me wonder: Why is Bochy sitting him? Based on his numbers and power presence in the lineup, Burrell should be playing six innings every game, regardless of the pitcher.
In fact, here is my preferred outfield:
Left Field | Center Field | Right Field | Defensive Replacement | |
Against RHP | Burrell | Torres | Schierholtz | Ross |
Against LHP | Burrell | Torres / Rowand | Ross | Schierholtz |
It's a bit controversial, as I’m probably a bit lower on Cody Ross than most. Unlike Burrell, Ross struggles against righties (.315 wOBA), but mashes lefties (.396 wOBA). It would make sense to platoon him and Schierholtz, as the one on the bench could enter as a defensive replacement in the 7th or 8th inning. The Rays’ Joe Maddon is known for innovative ideas such as these that attempt to maximize a player’s strengths. Bochy, on the other hand, is loyal to his veterans and believes that Ross as an everyday player, for better or for worse. As long as the Giants keep winning, it won't matter much in the long run.
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