Davis and Lowry Carrying Giants

Ever since Rajai Davis dawned a Giants uniform for the first time, he has done nothing but impress. Right off the bat he showed how valuable he was on the base paths and in the outfield. It was no secret that he could fly and Giants fans realized within his first game that he was an exceptional defender with an above average arm. The only question about Davis' game was whether or not he had the bat to stick in an everyday lineup. He never really got much of a shot in Pittsburgh, but he's getting one here with the Giants, and he's taking full advantage of the opportunity. He hit his first major league career home run on Friday night to help the Giants passed the Braves, and he also has made some very good defensive plays. Since joining the Giants almost 3 weeks ago, Davis is hitting .364 (20-55) with 12 runs scored and 8 stolen bases. He's also getting on base with regularity (.462%), a key trait for a successful leadoff hitter. Most importantly however, is that the Giants are winning with Davis in the lineup and leading off. They are 5-2 in the last 7 games in which Davis has started. It's wishful thinking to hope the Giants find a taker for Dave Roberts this off-season, but at the very least, the Giants will have a nice platoon set up in center field heading into the 2008 season.

Another Giant who has carried more than his weight is Noah Lowry. It has certainly been the Noah-Showa of late in San Francisco as the lefty has gone 7-1 with a measly 2.57 era over his last 9 starts. If he wouldn't have exited early in San Diego a few weeks back, his numbers could look even better. The more I am seeing of Lowry, the more I'm becoming convinced that he's a keeper and should be untouchable in trade talks right there along with Cain and Lincecum. Sunday's outing in Florida wasn't one of Lowry's best in recent weeks, but he still managed to keep the Giants in the game without his best stuff or command. If Lowry can take that next step and learn how to challenge hitters in the strike zone with more regularity, he will become an all-star pitcher. He still has games in which he is wild up and away to right-handed hitters and he is still averaging close to 4 walks per game. Again, this is a spot in which I would expect the Giants pitching coach, Dave Righetti, to help but Lowry has been having the same issue all year long. When he's on and locating the changeup and curveball with precision, he reminds me of Tom Glavine. When he's off, he's still good enough to win for you. That's the definition of a keeper folks and Lowry should be a Giant for years to come unless he is traded for a twenty something year old rising all-star position player, and nothing less.