Don't the number of games left in the season fool you, this weekends series against the Diamondbacks is THE series of the year and the last real chance for the Giants to deliver on any hope of returning to the playoffs for 2011.
The D-Backs are entering this series at 78-59 with a full 6 game lead in the NL West over the Giants with only 25 games left. On top of their lead they have a 9 game winning streak going,
Madison Bumgarner's performance and Pat Burrell's return to the line followed the designation of Aaron Rowand and Miguel Tejada, along with September call ups Brendan Crawford, Darren Ford and Emmanuel Burris; all have to be motivating factors going into this weekends shootout with Arizona.
Baseball insiders have been surprised by the D-Backs staying power with exceptional pitching and hot bats that have lead them to the division lead. The question is, "Can they keep it up?". Can they keep winning and hold off the Giants. There isn't a second place for the NL West, with the Atlanta Braves holding a 9 game lead over the Cardinals and the Giants, its more probable to catch Arizona for the Division than it will be to catch Atlanta for the Wild Card.
Obviously the Giants pitching should be excellent with Cain, Lincecum and Vogelsong going this weekend, so the big question will be, once again, "Will the bats show up?"
Who would like to see Torres get on base how ever that has to happen, START LOOKING AT BAD PITCHES AS OPPOSED TO SWINGING AT THEM, TAKE A WALK ANDRES. Keppenger and Pablo have been great and fun to watch. Beltran needs to start hitting with power, Huff has to either hit or sit and Ross must start to grab some of lst years magic or this team is done. It will be nice to get Nate back, I only hope the time off doesn't hurt his bat. Also, as a side note, I much prefer Scheirholtz in left field over Beltran, he just plays the position better.
Any thoughts?
One for the books: The Giants have set records this season and last month for:
Lowest runs scored in a month since 1999 with 77
Fewest wins in a month since 1999 with 11
3 of 5 Lowest run support in baseball for Bumgarner, Lincecum and Cain
Worst offensive production with RISP, batting .115
On the last 4-6 road trip the team placed 5 on the DL and six others missed time with injuries. Last season the Giants used the DL 15 times for 13 players. This season they have used the DL 28 times for 20 players, so far!
Side note: The Phillies picked up John Bowker from the Pirates AAA affiliate to fit into the gap left by the injured Ross Gload. He will pinch-hit and play both corner outfield positions and first base. The former Giants hit .306 with 15 home runs and 76 RBI's in 106 games while in the minors and is a career .301 pinch-hitter in the majors with SF and the Pirates.
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