San Francisco Giants: Should Fans Be Concerned About Quiet Winter for Giants?

The San Francisco Giants are coming off an abysmal offensive year ranking at or near the bottom in nearly every offensive category. Now the question is should fans be concerned at the relatively quiet offseason for the San Francisco Giants? The answer is no and here is why.

 
Firstly, this offseason was about taking care of business at home. Securing Lincecum and Cain were the two biggest priorities. Lincecum is now securely set for at least another two years and the Matt Cain discussion is still going. Cain is a free-agent after this season and the Giants would do well to secure him up long term now rather than let him play the free-agent market.   Getting both those pitchers locked up this offseason should be considered blockbuster moves.

Secondly, the Giants are now wisely building a team to suit AT&T park. AT&T park has consistently ranked near the bottom in total runs scored, as well as extra base hits over the past few years. This is partially due to a consistently weak offense but mostly to the pitcher-friendly environment of the stadium. This is why securing the best pitchers is key. A solid pitching staff, which the Giants have, will continually shut down potent offenses in their park and others.   

There will never be another Barry Bonds and to assume that we need a prolific power hitter to continually get to the playoffs is a mistake. The Giants are wiser to secure an elite pitching staff rather than go after the Pujols or Prince Fielders of the world.   

The offseason signings of Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan were not sexy but will add consistency to the lineup. Cabrera is coming off a career season and will hopefully find success at AT&T park. Both also give Bruce Bochy options to be creative with the lineup and put players in the best position for success—something he is extremely good at. 

Offensively, Melky Cabrara and Angel Pagan are slight upgrades at best but more importantly a healthy Buster Posey could make all the difference. Pablo Sandoval is coming off a solid year and fans hope that Aubrey Huff can get back into form. Freddy Sanchez is also consistent when he is healthy and will hopefully come back strong this season.   

The point again remains that AT&T park is better suited for an offensive lineup that is stacked with hitters with high .OBP and can hit for average rather than power. That appears to be the Giants' strategy in putting this team together. Develop an offense that can get on base and manufacture runs, then let your pitchers shut down the opposing teams.

Lastly, no teams in the NL West really made drastic upgrades either. There weren't many blockbuster deals to be had and when you analyze the moves of the NL West, you will again conclude that it is a weak division. 

You can expect another season of Giants baseball "torture," but I am confident that they will compete to win the division and the pitching staff gives them extremely good postseason odds.