San Fransico Giants: 3 Ways to Chase Down the L.A. Dodgers

Having just passed the one-third mark of the 2012 season, now seems like a good time* to digest what’s happened so far for the San Francisco Giants, and to take a look ahead to discuss what’s got to happen for them to leapfrog the Dodgers in the NL West. 

Now, I realize it’s still June, and some folks say that it’s too early to start drawing conclusions on a young season. But if you ask those folks for a more specific answer, they’ll tell you that it’s too early to draw conclusions on June 10. June 11 is perfectly reasonable. 

So, with the appropriateness of prospection affirmed, let’s address three areas where the Giants need things to break in their favor.

On the Hill

As with all things Giant, we’ll start on the mound where Barry Zito and Tim Lincecum are going to have to meet in the middle. Let’s face it: Every half-decent start Zito has lucked his way through feels like found money. Not $126 million of found money, but close.

We all know that at some point, he’s going to lose his control (not so great thus far, anyway), his confidence and his rotation spot. I think he keeps a stool reserved in the bullpen at all times, just in case.**

When Zito inevitably turns back into himself, Tim Lincecum will have to rediscover some of his former greatness to fill the void. And really, we don’t need back-to-back Cy Young Lincecum. That would be asking a lot. But we’re going to need at least the 2010 or 2011 version of Timmy in order offset Zito’s decline. If that happens, the Giants rotation should round nicely into form.

At the Hot Corner

Speaking of things getting rounder, let’s talk Panda. That thing we saw pass over the surface of the sun last week wasn’t Venus. 

It was the shadow of an increasingly round Pablo Sandoval, who is apparently now visible from space. 

The DL hasn’t been kind to the Panda, and he’s packed on the pounds during his recovery from hamate bone surgery. We’ll leave his possible troubles with the law alone, but suffice to say, self-discipline is not Sandoval’s strong suit.***

Now that he's back in the lineup, he’ll have to stay focused and healthy enough to contribute to what has been a surprisingly capable Giants lineup. 

A trimmed-down Panda is a must if the Giants want to catch up to the Dodgers. 

Up the Middle

It’s almost impossible to talk about the Giants’ middle infield situation without using words like “atrocious” or “embarrassing.” Thankfully, we’re not here to do the impossible, so I’ll say the Giants middle infield has been atrociously embarrassing.

I suppose that could actually be an understatement. 

The combination of Crawford, Burriss, Theriot and (shudder) Culberson haven’t hit and haven’t fielded. And don’t get me started on the imminent return of Freddy Sanchez. He’s a slap hitter who doesn’t walk, and, oh, have you heard? He’s a little injury prone. Hope you were sitting down for that one. 

Freddy’s not coming back any time soon, and even if that wasn’t the case, it’s hard to see him being a significant upgrade from what the Giants have now. 

Help is not on the way. 

Or at least not from within the organization. So, the way this club improves its chances the most is by upgrading its middle infield. Let’s just hope the trade deadline doesn’t come and go without the front office addressing the issue.

Let’s also hope that addressing the issue doesn't entail a phone call to Edgar Renteria or Miguel Tejada.

The Giants actually have a shot to improve over the last 100-plus games of this season, which is saying something, because they have the fourth best record in the National League right now. The outfield has been spectacular, and the bullpen looks strong, despite some key injuries.

If the Dodgers slip a little, and things otherwise break favorably, the Giants have a great shot to reclaim the NL West.

*Or, if you like, a totally arbitrary time. Either way.

**I imagine it to be very expensive, and incredibly soft. You know, like Zito.

***And really, isn’t part of what makes him fun as a hitter his complete lack of discipline? The guy will swing at almost anything, helmet to shoelaces, but he can square up those balls like few others.