From packing the disabled list to lagging in defensive strategy, the San Francisco Giants face tough times as the team strives to pick up the pace in their division. Despite the team’s recent struggles, coaches and players remain hopeful as they make their way into the final weeks of the season. All it will take is a speedy recovery, strong focus and a lot of teamwork.
With many of their star players falling on the disabled list, it is hard to say whether or not the Giants will make a comeback. Most recently, starting pitcher Matt Cain barely pitched three innings in a game against the Pittsburg Pirates before a line drive bolted into his right forearm.
In addition to Cain, other crucial pitchers who remain on the DL include Jeremy Affeldt and Chad Gaudin.
Andres Torres is yet another important player who recently suffered from an injury. After he receives surgery to take out bone spurs in his left foot, the outfielder will stay in rehabilitation for as long as six months. The absence of his speed and positive energy in the game means that the team will have to try even harder to keep up its stamina.
As far as defense goes, one of the Giants’ greatest struggles is pitching performance. Tim Lincecum, the two-time Cy Young Award winner who pitched an amazing no-hitter on July 13 against the San Diego Padres, has faced problems despite his remarkable past performances. He now holds an ERA of 4.55 after facing consecutive losses against the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox. Fortunately, he stepped up his game in the series against the Pittsburg Pirates, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres.
Barry Zito has also seen better days. The 35-year-old has endured nothing but losses and no-decisions since his last win May 30. His latest loss took place Aug. 26, where he barely survived four innings before Manager Bruce Bochy took him out of the game. Zito now stands at 4-11 with an ERA of 5.91.
As of this moment, the Giants have little to no chance of landing a playoff berth. With only a month left in the season, the Giants basically have to win all their games while their competitors repeatedly lose in order to make their way up from last place to receive at least the wild card title. However, with players like outfielder Angel Pagan coming back in from rehab, it is likely that there will be less torture and more celebration.
Most importantly, the Giants can only go far if we, the fans, remain hopeful and supportive. Like they did in the 2010 season, the Giants have shown they can regain momentum after a rough summer, which means miracles can still happen for a struggling team. All we need to do is put on our orange and black, keep our fingers crossed and never stop believing in our Giants.