What to expect from the San Francisco Giants in 2018
There is no question that, on paper, the San Francisco Giants are better heading into the 2018 campaign. But will it matter?
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The front of the Giants rotation is a strength. With a healthy Madison Bumgarner, Jeff Samardzija, and Johnny Cueto, San Francisco is in good shape. However, the back of the rotation is a series of question marks, and neither Mark Melancon or Sam Dyson inspire confidence in the back of the Giants bullpen.
Likewise, the lineup is better, but there are still plenty of question marks there as well. McCutchen is expected to team with Buster Posey as a formidable 1-2 punch in the lineup, but is that resurgence from last year sustainable? Can Evan Longoria and Hunter Pence stay healthy? Is Austin Jackson a starting caliber player at this stage of his career? The new additions are upgrades, but they bring their own questions as well.
In theory, the Giants should contend for the division and a postseason berth. However, they are in what may well be the toughest division in baseball, with a strong Dodgers team and a Diamondbacks team that appears to have improved. San Francisco is better than they were last year, but it may not make enough of a difference.
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The San Francisco Giants appear ready to make another charge to the postseason, but they may not have enough even year magic left to get there. Prediction: Third place in the NL West.