The Giants have played five spring training games so far, and their pitching has been just abysmal! Feeling optimistic going into his first start, projected ace Barry Zito was roughed up pretty badly. Facing his old team, the Oakland Athletics, Zito did not even manage to get out of the first inning, walking two batters and giving up eight earned runs on seven hits. By the time the slugfest was over, the Giants pitching staff had allowed twenty-two earned runs, losing 23-5. The only starter that has gotten off on the right foot is Matt Cain. Cain led the team to an 8-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs that was helped out by a five-run fifth inning. Allowing only two hits in three innings of work, Cain also struck out two batters while walking one. Going into the 2008 campaign, pitching was expected to carry the team through the season, but now might look as if the offense will have to pick up the slack until the pitching staff can find a way to solve their problems. I know it is still early and the pitchers are just getting in shape, but with the exception of Cain, everybody else looks near worthless.
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Sounds like Cain’s the one to watch! Well if the rest of the pitching staff is worthless it doesn’t say much for the Giants Ball Club’s investment!
March 5th, 2008 at 11:01 am
It’s still early, they have a few more weeks to figure things out. Zito will return to form eventually. Sabean might want to consider trading one of those other starters away for a third baseman if their problems continue.
March 13th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Looks like a long season ahead!