Back in early August, I posted that in order for either of my two teams (Giants or Mariners) to make the playoffs, they would have to win every single series within their division. Well, the Mariners collapse goes without mentioning.
...But the Giants...hmmm...they're keeping it interesting. They haven't won every divisional series, as I had stated...but they still find themselves in the thick of things.
Let's recap for a bit...since I wrote, they have gone:
1-2 vs. Arizona
0-3 vs. Los Angeles
4-0 vs. San Diego
1-2 vs. Los Angeles
3-0 vs. Arizona
3-1 vs. Cincinnati
1-2 vs. Atlanta
2-1 vs. Chicago
2-1 vs. Cincinnati
2-1 vs. San Diego
2-1 vs. Colorado
They are 21-14 over that span, and have won 7 of 11 series.
Another interesting part of that is what has happened to the hitting. Over each player's last ten games coming into Thursday afternoon's game against the Rockies, five of their regular ten players (Winn, Vizquel, Hillenbrand, Feliz, and Alfonzo) were hitting near the .200 mark. Steve Finley was well below that at .143. But the big three bats are hitting, and hitting prolifically. Bonds hit .303 in his last ten, including 5 big flies. Alou hit .333 with 3 dingers, and Ray Durham hit a blistering .371! However, even among those floundering around .200, it seems like the hits they did contribute came at pretty crucial times.
I don't think enough can be said about the efforts of Matt Cain on the mound during that stretch. Another great effort today showed that the kid is here, and here to stay. It's too bad that his crummy start is likely going to cost him a rookie of the year award. This is one guy the Giants need to wrap up long term, and fast.
You don't wish injuries on anyone, even your own worst enemies. That being said, one of the things that may help the Giants during the final two weeks is addition by subtraction, coming in the form of Armando Benitez. Benitez's struggles are no secret to anyone, but what might surprise some people is the way that Mike Stanton has stepped up. Five saves in his last ten appearances, with a 1.69 era....pretty heady stuff.
What do the Giants have to do to make the playoffs? Simply put, just win, baby. The big three need to keep hitting, the others make a little hot streak, the starting pitchers have to avoid the big meltdowns that can happen this time of year, and oh, yes...the Giants need to find SOME way to beat the Dodgers. Last three games at home against the boys in blue...what could be sweeter than to be two games back and sweeeeeeeeeeep?????????
Yup, stranger things have happened. Just look at the Tigers the last month and the way the Twins have played since June. Who'd have thought? It's ain't over 'til it's over, baby.
Another factor I overlooked until late last night, Ricko. The Dodgers and Padres have a four game series coming up...which for the Giants benefit, means I have to root for...a split! Yikes. The thought of actually having to root for the Dodgers to win a couple of games is a bit unnerving for me...
Yeah, what's the old saying? Politics, (and sports), make for strange bedfellows. Or something like that. I remember several years ago when I had to root for the Arizona Wildcats to win a game in the Pac-10 so my Sun Devils could take sole possession of first place. Talk about an uncomfortable situation!
Last edited by ricko on September 15th at 9:15 AM.
What an unbelieveable run Cain is on, eh? The kid has been unstoppable in the 2nd half. Too bad Lowry's been so inconsistent and injury-plagued this season. I thought he had really turned the corner last year.
If Lowry does get it together again, can you imagine the 20-something, 1-2 punch of Cain and Lowry in the rotation? And if Merkin Valdez delivers, wow.
Regarding that end of the year scenario against LA, that would be amazing! Just like 1997. I was at the Stick for Brian Johnson's walk-off HR against the Dodgers that year.
And I agree with you on the Benitez situation. Stanton has been good in the closer role of late, and Benitez was just too much of a distraction for a guy who hasn't consistently delivered since he signed with the Giants. His lousy attitude was a definite negative for the team.
I think that Lowry will be up to snuff, sooner than later. And I haven't written off Brad Hennessey just yet, either. I don't think his stint in the bullpen was helpful for him at all. Given a consistent starting role next year should make him at least consistent, if not brilliant.
The Giants will certainly be a different looking team next year...I'll do a blog post at the end of the season about what I think should take place. I'd certainly like your input.
I watched Cain's near no-hitter earlier this season on MLB.com and I can easily believe he's going to be a very big star. SF could do well in the postseason if they make it. Bonds is hitting almost like Bonds again, which is a deadly prospect for opposing hitters.
Hello...I am an educator and musician living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Baseball and poker are my interests here...beyond that, about all I follow is Gonzaga Basketball and whatever tidbits I can pick up to avoid getting totally crushed in my football pool.
