The MLB trading deadline is soon approaching. General Managers are closely monitoring things such as league standings, payroll, attendance and politics of course before they decide whether or not to pull off a trade. Fans see it differently. Fans see it as an opportunity to get that missing piece to help them get into the postseason.
San Francisco Giants GM Brian Sabean has an envious but tough decision next week. Sitting 4 games ahead of the D-backs in the NL West, he sees a team with a deep pitching rotation but not enough offense. There is just not enough consistency at the plate these days. The Giants have lost their past three home games decided by one run or less. Eventually this takes it toll on the pitching staff.
When a starter takes the mound every fifth day uncertain of how many runs to work with it can be very taxing both mentally and physically for a pitcher. When Lincecum pitches and is blessed with 3 runs or more he is lights out. The problem is, when pitchers suffer from lack of run support they start trying to be too fine with their pitches leading to mistakes. The lack of offense has an effect on the way Bochy manages the game.
If you're Bruce Bochy down a run in the 6th, a runner on third and less than two outs. Do you play the infield in trying to prevent the run from scoring on a ground ball? Aubrey Huff the Giants leading home-run hitter has only 9 HR this year. This means that more likely than not the Giants offense would need two or more to score a run. This becomes an interesting decision for the skipper.
Over the past few years the Giants have been clutch in getting big hit after big hit. Exciting for the fans, and who's complaining, but this good fortune can't be expected to continue. The team needs to step up and add some power at the trading deadline. The old saying in baseball is "with power you are only one swing away."
There is a player on the trading block right now with postseason stats like these.
G AB R H HR RBI SB BB BA OBP SLG
22 82 31 30 11 19 8 18 .366 .485 .817
Which player I am talking about?
Would you acquire him?
No comments:
Post a Comment