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Trades Yet to Pay Dividends

Since the Giants made their blockbuster deal and added Carlos Beltran to their roster, they've won just one time. Granted, he's only played 5 games as a Giant, a 1-4 start after obtaining the sought after right fielder isn't the start Brian Sabean had in mind.

Beltran took a few games to get acclimated, but he looked a lot better at home in Monday night's loss to the surging Diamondbacks. Despite the teams 5-2 loss, Beltran put up his first multi-hit game as a Giant going 2-4 with a triple. Surprisingly, it hasn't really been the offense that's tanked here these last few games. Sure, they haven't been on fire, but the Giants pitching has hit a rough patch over this last week. We saw Madison Bumgarner and Barry Zito each get lit up in Cinci, then Matt Cain turned in his worst performance in months on Monday night to allow the D-Backs to move within 1 game of first place. Cain threw 5 2/3 innings, allowing 8 hits, 3 walks and 5 runs, certainly a night to forget for the 26 year-old horse. It started off well for the Giants, with Cody Ross possibly finding his new home at the leadoff spot. Ross homered in his first at-bat in the bottom of the first, and ended up going 2-4 on the night. With Andres Torres and Aaron Rowand both struggling, Ross, Schierholtz and Beltran are the team's top outfielders and if they can find a way to have them playing together like Boch did Monday, then I think it will benefit the offense. I also like slotting Ross in the leadoff spot ahead of Keppinger and Beltran where he's certain to get some fastballs.

So the Giants will hand the ball to their ace Tuesday night and ask him to give them some more breathing room atop the division. Tim Lincecum is coming off an impressive performance last week in Philadelphia when he shut down the Phillies lineup despite being struck with the flu. The Giants don't necessarily need him to keep the D-Backs off the board all night, but I think it's crucial that Timmy has a clean couple of innings to start the game so the team doesn't get down early. That's been a big problem for the team, and even with Beltran in tow, they still don't really have an offense built to overcome 3-4 run deficits. Some say the team has struggled these last few days because their chemistry has been disrupted, but I don't buy that one bit. There isn't one player on the Giants who would tell you they don't want Carlos Beltran in town and although a lot of the fans didn't care for the Cabrera trade, plenty of Giants have already voiced their endorsement of the cagey shortstop. There was certainly going to be an adjustment period for these new players but that's not going to last more than a week. I'd be surprised if we don't see things turn around tonight behind Timmy.

Comments

Rabbid Giants Fanatic said…
I liked the Beltran and Keppinger trade but I really don't understand why they felt they had to get Cabrera and give up Neal for him. I saw Neal a few times in '09 when he tore up the Cal league. I really thought then he'd be a big leaguer and I still think he will be a good one. I'd get it if Tejada was out for the year or something and they had no other ss besides Crawford but Tejada is coming back and I think he'll push Cabrera to the bench personally.

Tejada is a much better hitter, and not that much worse on defense. That's just my two cents.

-RGF
I wonder if they'll be able to get a catcher through waivers? Even if it's a slight upgrade like Cabrera was. I wish they'd sign Bengie out of retirement already!
Anonymous said…
What is going on with the Giants. Now their losing again with Timmy on the mound? What the hell, they're like cursed or something since they made the trades? I just don't get it?
Unknown said…
Wow, just like that the D-Backs are back tied in first place and have all the momentum in the world.
Wednesday now becomes almost a must win for Vogy. Jason Marquis has had good success vs. the Giants in the past, but this is hardly the same Giants team he saw in his last go round.

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