It's hard to believe only 10 games remain in the regular season for the Giants, trailing Colorado by four games in the N.L. Wild Card race. Although it's still mathematically possible, I just think these guys are collectively gassed (mentally and physically). Even if everything goes their way between now at the finish line, who wants to watch a three-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers or Phillies. Is it still best-of-five in the first round? Hey, no one expected them to contend this late into the season - it's been an entertaining product despite a frustrating lack of offense. All I can say is just 10 more days of Randy Winn, Fred Lewis, and Dave Roberts' expiring contract -- good bye, and good luck to you all.
The starting rotation, considered the strength of this team all season, has really struggled in this last turn through the rotation. There has been no one to jump in and be the stopper this time around. Jonathan Sanchez was the first starter since Matt Cain (6 IP on September 16th), to go more than five-innings, when he got the win Wednesday night over the D-Backs. Let's review this unfortunate little streak, but at the same time, realize they went 2-and-3 during this stretch:
Cain - 2-and-a-third Tuesday (vs Az)
Zito - 4-and-a-third Monday (vs Az)
Lincecum - 4-innings Sunday (vs. L.A.)
Penny - 2-and-two-thirds Saturday (vs. L.A.)
Sanchez - 4-and-a-third Friday (vs L.A.)
I would say short of Brad Penny getting too hyped-up with too much to prove against the Dodgers, the rest of the guys just appear to be shot mentally and/or physically. We knew about Tim Lincecum skipping a start with lower back stiffness, but Cain has not pitched that great in the second half. However, when Cain has put together a solid start; he's received very little run support (just like last year). Zito has tailed off a bit since that amazing 8-and-a-third-innings in a win over Colorado August 29th. He's had two outings of just four-innings in September, but he also tossed a second gem at the Rockies on the 15th for his 10th win of the year. This is a guy who has thrown 182-plus innings, with an ERA of 3.99. Has Barry turned the corner with that curve ball??? Keep earning your keep dude.
But what does this all mean? Are pitchers just babied too much? Should complete games be considered completely out of the question to preserve a pitcher's arm for the ENTIRE season. Is 200-innings now too much in this age of specialized bull pens? Or, do these guys need to improve their conditioning? Does proper preservation rest solely with the starter, exercising restraint through the season. Is the 100 pitch count a mental hurdle? It's such a grind to get to the play-offs; what's the point if you have nothing left at the end???
Finally...Freddy Sanchez. Damaged goods? His twisted knee will require surgery at the end of the season. Isn't that the same knee that was bothering him when he got here? Oh, but don't forget about the shoulder that kept him out of the entire Rockies' series at Coors Field. I want to like this guy - I really do, but I don't want some injury-riddled, part-time contributor. We gave up a highly-considered prospect in Tim Alderson. I would like to see some return on this investment. And no...50 sporadic AB's down the stretch is not enough.
