The Giants are still in first place with a record of 46-36. They hold the 5th best winning percentage in all of baseball, and play in the National League West, where the only other team with a winning record is Arizona. Their run differential shows that they're quite not as good as their record might suggest, but their strong bullpen helps them to outperform projections to an extent. Even if the Giants only play .500 baseball going forward, that'll be enough to keep them in the playoff race until the very end.
Despite the team's early season success, the offense is far from acceptable. If you read this blog occasionally, you're probably familiar with some of what I'm about to suggest. I'm not a fan of crazy trade proposals involving Jose Reyes or position changes for Pablo Sandoval. The following are simple and realistic changes that Brian Sabean or Bruce Bochy could make to possibly improve the team.
- Play Pat Burrell nearly everyday: This will be especially important in the next three games at Detroit because Bochy will have the luxury of using the DH. Previously in two of the three games at Oakland, Rowand was used in this role. Burrell leads the team in offense with a 121 wRC+, and yet, he's accumulated less at-bats than all of the other outfielders. His defense is terrible, but his bat is a risk worth taking when the lineup is struggling to score runs every game.
- Sit Aaron Rowand against righties: I fully endorse keeping Rowand on the team because he still plays a valuable role. In a limited sample size, he has put up an impressive 169 wRC+ against left handed pitchers. On the other hand, he owns an atrocious 43 wRC+ against righties because the whole league has figured out he can't hit a slider. A platoon with Andres Torres would be ideal, seeing as Rowand can be used as a weapon off the bench against southpaws.
- Release Miguel Tejada soon: Speaking of roles, it seems that Tejada should lose his once number three hitter / utility man Mike Fontenot returns from the disabled list. Brandon Crawford plays way better defense, which is essential for the pitching staff. Burrell and Rowand are both better right handed bats off the bench. Heck, at this point, even Darren Ford can provide more value than Tejada and his -0.5 WAR. This tweet by Paapfly pretty much sums up Tejada.
- Find a new catcher: If the Giants could somehow combine Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart into a white-haired, fist pumping hybrid named Ellis Whiteward (Cool name, I know) they'd be set. Until that's possible, they get to choose between Whiteside's "arm" and Stewards 40 wRC+. Brian Sabean has repeatedly said that no quality catchers are available, but it seems like he could get creative and acquire someone decent like Yorvit Torrealba.
- Trade for JJ Hardy: Okay, so this is definitely a little ridiculous. Hardy's been raking for the Orioles (150 wRC+), but he's still cheaper and more realistic than Reyes. Baltimore's front office has been talking extensions, but they would probably be willing to part with him for the right prospects. If his value falls in July, Sabean should be more than willing to deal anyone in the farm not named Belt or Wheeler to acquire a Gold Glove shortstop with offensive upside.
If you've read this far, you probably have ideas of your own, which I'd love to hear below.
