The Giants sit 3.5 games behind the San Diego Padres for the divisional lead in the National League West. They have a 56-44 record, which is far from bad, but through May and June this team was right around a .500 club and that is why they have fell behind the Padres in the division. They also went just 7-8 in interleague play. Overall this is a pretty solid team, sure every team could use a piece or two at the trading deadline, but the Giants are well constructed and should challenge for a playoff spot.
The offense seems sound as they have scored 443 runs, and as a team they are hitting .262. That is the fourth highest team BA in the National League. They have collected 890 hits, and those can be broken down the following way; 178 doubles, 19 triples, and 90 home runs. All of those numbers have the Giants in the upper half of the 16 senior circuit ball clubs. Giants’ hitters have struck out 659 times, and drawn 316 walks.
The Giants pitching staff isn’t too shabby either, they have given up 361 runs and the staff ERA is 3.38. That is third best staff ERA in the NL. Four of their five regular starters have a .500 record or better. They have given up 361 hits, and just 78 of those were home runs. Giants pitchers have mowed down 808 batters (the best SO record in the NL), and issued 399 walks (the fewest in the NL). That tells me these pitchers throw strikes right by a ton of batters.
One of the biggest questions about this team heading into 2010 was would they have enough offense, and I think we can say that they do. Sure I would like to see them add another bat but they are doing just fine given the park that they play in.
Related Links:
• San Francisco Giants news and notes • The Business of Major League Baseball •MTR Baseball.com
