Ong Talk
  

                     A Look at the Giants' Pitching Staff

                            By: Ryan Ong

 

April 14, 2009 - Lincecum and Co. Need to Settle Down

As every analyst and his mama has predicted, the San Francisco Giants must rely on their pitching staff to carry them this season. As the Giants proved in the first few games of the season, pitching is necessary in order for them to contend.

 

 

Starting Rotation Notes:

Tim Lincecum has two shaky starts to begin the season and people already think the sky is falling. Well, I have three simple suggestions for Lincecum: stop thinking, stop thinking, and stop thinking! Lincecum needs to approach this year as Dustin Pedoria has approached his whole life, as if everyone in the world thought his performance was a fluke. In order to do so he’ll need to ignore his Cy Young award, the media, and his mechanics.

Basically, if he just throws the damn ball, he’ll be alright.

Lincecum should also talk to Matt “Shotgun" Cain about dealing with expectations. The organization still believes in Cain. As the radio ads say, the Giants believe Cain has a Cy Young award waiting in the wings. Which makes sense. Cain looks more poised than in the two previous seasons; seasons in which he's had hard luck. This could spell big things for the right-hander.

Cain can only control what he does - and hope his team backs him up - and it looks like he’s figured out how to stay within himself. In previous years he has pressed too much for that clutch strikeout, which got him into trouble. Although fans should not ignore the fact that the Giants failed to give Cain run support in 2007 and 2008.

Cain is ignoring expectations and it looks ready to take his game to the next level. Lincecum should take notes.

The Giants' two left-handers, Jonathan Sanchez and Randy Johnson, are poised for decent seasons. Their recent outings highlight the importance of San Francisco's rotation. Missed location pitches can cost the Giants games this year. Bad innings from Johnson and Sanchez (Johnson v. Ari - 4/8 and Sanchez v. SD – 4/11) cost the Giants two wins.

Johnson, the grizzly vet, is poised for an okay season. Once he dials in his arm slot, his slider and fastball are so filthy.

Sanchez looks poised for a breakout season. With Noah Lowry’s health unknown, this is Sanchez’s season to prove to the organization that he’s more than just a spot starter.

Barry Zito and Noah Lowry are the two guys on the Giants' staff with big question marks. Zito looks like he’ll start out slow again - beginning with a rough outing against the Padres. Zito’s Cy Young days are behind him, but he’s a .500 pitcher. Still not worth the money, though. Lowry's health is a concern, but he or Sanchez might be able to fetch a decent bat in the trade market if the Giants are in contention.

The Bullpen:

It’s too early to tell because the bullpen has simply not had enough looks this year. Wilson’s 100-mph heater is something to get giddy about, but the ‘pen hasn’t been put into too many pressure situations yet.

The starting rotation's slow start is no reason to hit the panic button, but it’s enough to show some concern. Mistakes are magnified when an offense cannot support the staff and the defense has been “suspect” at times. It’s redundant, but the rotation is going to have to carry the team.

It looks like the offensive surge against the Brew Crew was a coincidence.