The San Francisco Giants couldn’t have asked for a better time for an off-day. The Giants go into Monday’s day off on a five game skid. This is primarily due to poor offense. During their five game losing streak, the Giants have only managed to score nine runs, seven coming in one game. This may look strange, but the proof is in the numbers. Yes, that is correct, they have shut out in two of the five games, and only managed one run, twice.
What is worse for the Giants was their weekend series versus the Oakland Athletics. The Giants were swept in the three game series, and only scored a total of one run in the three games. The Giants starters for the series, Zito, Cain, and Sanchez combined to go 21.2 innings in the series. Those aren’t the bad numbers, the hitting was plain pitiful. The Giants only managed 14 hits in the three games, and went an astounding 0-19 with runners in scoring position. This is ridiculous, how are the Giants to have a chance in the division if they can hardly get on base, none the less put runs on the scoreboard? These last five games seem to bring concern for Giants fans. If the team continues these struggles, they may be out of contention by August.
Look for hitting coach Hensly Muellens to utilize this off-day. Expect extra batting practice for all the Giants hitters today. If Muellens can’t get the Giants’ hitters batting averages to head north then Muellens may be out the door. 0-19 with RISP in a three game series is absolutely terrible. Not to mention the fact that this has to put stress on the Giants pitching staff. How are the pitchers to have any confidence if they happen to give up an early run in an outing? With Muellens advice, the Giants hitters have to display professional at bats to win back their pitching staff and fans.
Good thing for the Giants, they have 119 games left. Plenty of time to fix their batting woes, but they must get it going in their next game, Tuesday. That’s when the Giants will begin a series at AT&T Park against Livan Hernandez and the Washington Nationals. Todd Wellemeyer will take the mound, looking to bounce back from a rocky start in his last appearance. Look for Wellemeyer and the Giants offense to make a bold statement Tuesday. If the Giants sputter, their record will drop to .500 at 22-22. If that occurs, look forward to much mid-season doubt from critics.
Time to get it going SF Giants…
Go Giants.
