MLB Teams Poised to Heat Up Entering May
By Nick Fustor
San Francisco Giants (10-11)
Putting the narrative that it’s an even year and the San Francisco Giants are expected to compete aside, the team has a very solid combination of savvy arms and potent bats. Buster Posey has yet to round into form, but he’s flashed signs of his MVP-esque production, while Madison Bumgarner is still shaking off the rust from the offseason.
Aside from Posey, the offense has been led by Hunter Pence, Brandon Belt, Denard Span and Joe Panik, who have all been consistently getting on base and providing a bit of power. Angel Pagan has been the team’s best hitter, though, as he’s currently hitting .356/.407/.493 with 14 runs scored. While he likely won’t keep up that production for the remainder of the season, the Giants will look to ride his hot streak in the coming weeks.
The main concern with the lineup comes from Brandon Crawford and Matt Duffy, who are both struggling to repeat their breakout 2015 performances. Duffy hasn’t been bad by any means, but his OBP (.291) has been an issue, while Crawford simply isn’t making consistent contact (.235 BA). Both are bound to improve, as Crawford has maintained a decent OBP while Duffy is still driving in runs. Posey has also started to heat up, as he’s raised his slash line to a respectable .279/.342/.441 to go along with three homers.
With Bumgarner at the top, offseason additions Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija have settled into their middle of the rotation roles by posting ERAs in the mid threes. As they get more acclimated in San Francisco, they should begin to improve.
Jake Peavy and Matt Cain have struggled mightily at the bottom of the rotation with ERAs above six, and will need to improve if the team hopes to catch up to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The bullpen has been solid, as closer Santiago Casilla has settled in nicely during his second season closing out games.
At fourth in the league with 104 runs scored, the Giants don’t have many problems – and it’s just a matter of time until they break out and go on a winning streak.
Next: Heading north of the border