After finishing the 2013 season in fourth place with 76 wins and 86 losses, the San Francisco Giants are aiming for greater success as they prepare for the 2014 season. Before focusing on skill boosting, Giants officials remain on the hunt for the best possible candidates to draft.
Fortunately, team officials are making sure to increase the number of pitchers on the final roster, already signing former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson, as well as re-signing left-handed reliever Javier Lopez. Other pitchers that will appear on next season’s roster are left-hander Jose De Paula and right-hander Erik Cordier.
De Paula, 25, has a record of 29-24 with a 3.82 ERA, and 79 starts over six minor league seasons.
Cordier, 27, has a record of 36-37 with a 4.29 ERA over 105 starts in the minor league.
For a short time, the Giants were unsure if they would re-sign starters Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong, but decided to renew their contracts in the end. Though Vogelsong faced bad luck in the 2013 season with a 4-6 record and a trip to the disabled list for three months, and Tim Lincecum struggled with a season record of 10-14, both pitchers’ great potentials have proven to contribute to the team’s success in the past are and sure to bring satisfaction to their teammates, coaches and hopeful fans in the upcoming season.
At the top of the Giants’ to-do list is filling the left field position. After a foot injury forced left fielder Andres Torres to sit out on the disabled list for the majority of the 2013 season, the Giants are struggling to find the perfect player to take the position.
Some players that spark interest include Carlos Beltran, Shin-Soo Choo, Nelson Cruz and Jacoby Ellsbury.
Some other players who have been mentioned in trade speculation are Chris Denorfia of the Padres, Justin Ruggiano of the Marlins and Josh Willingham of the Twins.
Giants officials are also considering switching first baseman Brandon Belt to the outfield and obtaining another first baseman.
Another crucial aspect that the Giants need to consider in order to improve their game is an active offense. In the 2013 season, the team faced far too many instances where players would get on base, but were left stranded when teammates that followed failed to hit. The team averaged 3.9 runs per game, and this did not override the pitchers’ overall average of 4.00 ERA.
With a stronger pitching staff, a better-structured defense and a more dynamic offense, the Giants are sure to go far in the 2014 season. As always, it will take a little while to warm up to new players, but if they focus on getting more hits and giving up less to their opponents, the team just may set foot in another World Series.