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Less than a year ago, the San Francisco Giants finished up a disappointing season where they placed fourth in the National League West. Their 76-86 record was a huge turn-around from their World Series Championship win in 2012, where they finished the regular season 94-68.
Now in 2014, the city by the bay has returned to dominance. Their 34-19 record is the best in all of baseball. Their hitting, however, is not the cause for their great start, as they are batting only .245 as a team, which is good enough for 19th place. The Giants are in the top ten in strikeouts (436), but when they make contact with the ball, it is flying out of the park, as they are third in the majors in home runs (60). Buster Posey has been struggling so far, hitting only .254, but he is still producing with 25 RBIs. The real surprise in the team has come from Michael Morse. He is seemingly returning to his All-Star form, after a disappointing 2013 campaign. His 10 home runs and 34 RBIs lead the team.
The real reason for San Francisco’s success comes from the pitching. Their 3.03 ERA is second in the National League and third in all of baseball. The team is lead by the right-handed veteran, Tim Hudson. The resurgent 38-year-old has done more than his fair share by leading the team with a 1.92 ERA and a 5-2 record. His 0.88 WHIP is third in the majors and his .217 BAA is in the top 20. Not far behind Hudson is left-hander Madison Bumgarner with a 3.15 ERA, and just behind him with a 3.20 ERA is Ryan Vogelsong.
With San Fran’s starters getting the job done, the bullpen has also done their job. The team’s 2.37 ERA is third in the National league and they are holding opposing hitters to a .220 average. The closing role has not been much of an issue either, as their 19 saves are the most in the majors. The key to their success in the bullpen is rest, and the ability that their starters have of going deep into games.
One thing is for sure; this Giants team looks nothing like the team that missed the playoffs a year ago. However, the question that arises is can their pitching carry them, if their bats cannot improve. Although their 4.25 RPG is in the middle of the pack, relying on home runs will be a long shot for the Giants. However, if they can somehow continue their pitching success and keep hitting the long ball, this team could stir up some trouble in the postseason and make a serious run.
A.J. Risser is a writer for CouchRiderReport.net Follow him on Twitter.