Sunday, May 31, 2015

2010...2012...2014...2015?

30th May 2015

        The San Francisco Giants are considered by many a dynasty, having won three World Series Titles in the past five years. The amazing part is that the Giants do it with a very similar roster. Eight of the current twenty-five men on the active roster (not including Matt Cain) were on the 2010 World Champion team, with seven of them being pitchers. Brian Sabean doesn't go looking for the highest priced free agent, but rather a solid piece that fits the puzzle. This past off-season, there was a hole in the outfield due to the departure of Michael Morse, and a void at third base because of Pablo Sandoval signing with the Red Sox. What did Sabean do? He went out and signed outfielder Nori Aoki, who fits AT&T park perfectly with his slap hit style, as well as third baseman Casey McGehee, last year's NL Comeback Player of the Year. Aoki so far is hitting .321, 2 home runs, and 11 stolen bases while getting on-base at a .395 clip through his first 48 games. McGehee has fallen upon some rough times and was recently designated for assignment. Even though McGehee has struggled, rookie Matt Duffy has stepped up, batting .294 with 3 home runs and 22 RBIs through 37 games. Bruce Bochy always trusts his players and gives them an opportunity to succeed. The Giants have been surging of late, led by terrific pitching which has accrued nine shutouts, eight of which have come in the month of May. This has lead to a 21-7 record in May so far, the best in baseball. They have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won 5 straight. Last night they also moved into 1st place and command a 0.5 game lead over the struggling Dodgers. Although San Francisco is never a sexy pick to make the playoffs, especially in a year that saw the Padres re-tool and the Dodgers just being the Dodgers, they are definitely playing like a division leader of late.

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