Welcome to a new segment, The Series. Instead of daily recaps or breakdowns of individual games, I will instead be doing it of the series as a whole.
The Giants started 2010, in terrific fashion. Like last season, the Giants are led by their starting pitching, which hopes to remain the best in the majors. Starting Pitchers Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito, and Matt Cain combined for a 1.37 ERA, 13 hits, and only 1 walk in the entire series. Each pitcher lasted at least 6 innings in their starts.
Besides the starting pitching, the Giants also showed why they have one of the best, if not the best, pitching staff in baseball. The bullpen was fantastic. Brian Wilson picked up 2 saves, and the only reliever to give up a run was Brandon Medders. For added emphasis on the strength of the bullpen, every reliever pitched in the series.
However the most important breakthrough player in the series was Edgar Renteria. If he can play to the standard the Giants believed he could when they signed him last off-season the Giants will surely contend for the pennant this season. In the series against the Astros he batted .727, recording hits in every game, including 5 hits in the series finale. He also walked in every game of the series. Walks were the Achilles' heel of the team last season. Offensively Edgar was impressive, but defensively he was as well. He looked much younger, and seemed to have an extra bounce in his step. With Freddy Sanchez out for at least the rest of the month, the Giants will need Renteria to produce.
With the pitching staff the Giants have, it's no secret they only need a few runs a game to win. New signings Mark DeRosa, and Aubrey Huff, batting .333 and .286 respectfully, also showcased some of their some of their offensive talent in the series. Each accounted for both runs, and RBI's as well.
The Giants new slogan "It's Magic Inside" looks to be true, because the San Francisco Giants are appearing like they are poised for a magical season.
I agree the pitching is our outstanding quality, however, I feel the rise and fall of of season rides on the shoulders of the 4th and 5th starting pithers. More so on Sanchez, we have seen shades of amazing talent from the young arm but we need consistancy. The 5th slot really worries me, the giants have some young talent in the minors and i am sure we will see a few different faces over the next few months. Hopefully one of them will step up and improve our chances of making a playoff run. Timmy/Cain/Zito will be solid, if sanchez can give consistant 6 and 7 inning outings we can survive the 5th starter slot
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