The San Francisco Giants have had a slow start to the year, sitting just eighth in the National League. A “World Series hangover” is no new phenomenon though, something the Giants have experienced themselves on more than one occasion. They posted an 86-76 record in 2011 and failed to even make it to the playoffs after winning the World Series the year before and their title defending season 2013 was even worse as they finished the season with a 76-86 record.
They opened this season very weak and lost on eight consecutive days between April 10 – April 17 but seemed to have turned a corner recording five wins on the bounce before losing 9-1 to the San Diego Padres last night. They’ll continue a 10 game home-stand by opening a four-game series against the Miami Marlins tonight before going to Houston for two games against the surging Astros followed by a four-game set at Cincinnati. San Francisco’s pitching staff have not been at the top of their game and posted a combined 3.42 ERA so far on the year which can be compared to a 2.87 ERA in the post-season 2014.
We’ve also seen some sub-par performances offensively from the Giants who’s 87 runs scored on the season is better than only the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox. One reason is of course the loss of right fielder Hunter Pence who suffered a broken left forearm after getting hit by a pitch during spring training and has yet to swing a bat in the majors this season. He took batting practice Monday though and is close to beginning a rehab assignment according to manager Bruce Bochy.
I expect big things from the Giants in the near future and unlike previous World Series hangovers I don’t think this one will be as severe as I do think they’ll make the playoffs this year. I will be looking for good opportunities to back them over the upcoming weeks, all depending on if the price is right.
Written by Mike Lundin for 10StarPicks.com
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