Yeah, it’s been a while but other then Barry Bonds, there hasn’t been a whole lot to talk about with the Giants. They lost their seventh straight game today and they sit way behind the pack in the National League Central. The Rockies are closer to first then were are to the Rockies and it’ll be interesting to see what Brian Sabean dose at the trading deadline if things keep going the way they have.
On the one hand, it looks like letting Jason Schmidt go was a smart move. The problem is, Barry Zito has hardly been the answer. Zito has always given up his share of walks but this year, his strikeout rate is way down which isn’t an encouraging sign. Then again, we’re getting almost the same pitcher from 2006 minus the run support and the bullpen because Zito’s WHIP and batting average against are very similar to what they were in 2006 when playing for the Athletics.
Still the Giants are near the bottom of the pack in a lot of hitting categories and their pitching has only been good. The net result is a disappointing eleven games below .500 with a lot of those wins on the road.
Matt Morris has been a nice surprise though. He’s probably been the Giants best pitcher so far this year. At least the most consistent. If you take out Sunday’s beating at the hands of the Red Sox, Morris had given up three runs or less in seven of his eight previous starts.
It doesn’t get any easier because the red hot Yankees roll into town on Friday. Friday’s matchup of Matt Cain versus Kei Igawa may be our chance to end this skid though. Hopefully the day off helps as well.
