San Francisco Giants Fans: Five Reasons Not to Push the Panic Button (Yet)

What a week, huh?

Buster lost for the season, swept at home by the Marlins, then a series loss at Milwaukee.

Out of first place, heading into a tough four-gamer at St. Louis.

I've been cranky as heck, questioning the manager's lineup decisions, fretting over some of the GM's free agent signings.

But, after taking a deep breath and doing a little research, I've found five reasons to hold off on pushing the panic button. 

History

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 24: Matt Cain #18 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after giving up three runs to the Florida Marlins in the third inning at AT&T Park on May 24, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

After 52 games, the Giants are 28-24, in second place in the NL West, trailing first-place Arizona by a one-half game.

Want to guess where they stood after 52 games in 2010?

How about 28-24, third place in the NL West, 3.5 games behind first-place San Diego. 

Interesting side note: Pitching the 52nd game of 2010, Matt Cain defeated Colorado, bringing his record to 4-4. Cain pitched the 52nd game of 2011 today, at Milwaukee, and lost. His record is 3-3.

Interesting side note II: The Giants played 30 of their first 52 games a year ago at home. This year, they've played 31 of their first 52 on the road. After this week's four-gamer at St. Louis, 60 of their remaining 106 games will be at AT&T. 

More History

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PHOENIX - JULY 10: Cody Ross #12 of the Florida Marlins bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on July 10, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The lineup Bruce Bochy rolled out for the 52nd game in 2010 against Colorado included seven players who, by season's end, would be playing different positions, no longer be mainstays in the lineup, or be with other clubs.

The only constant was second-baseman Freddy Sanchez.

Last May, Cody Ross was a Marlin. Pat Burrell was a Ray. Ramon Ramirez and Javier Lopez were Red Sox. 

There's no telling how much maneuvering Brian Sabean can or will do in 2011. But history suggests he won't stand pat, especially given the extraordinary depth of his pitching staff. 

Youth May Be (Well) Served

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 23: Brandon Crawford #53 of the San Francisco Giants poses for a portrait during media photo day at Scottsdale Stadium on February 23, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Yesterday in Milwaukee, the Giants lineup included three home-grown position players (Belt, Crawford and Burriss).

Bruce Bochy strongly favors veterans (in fairness, there aren't many managers who don't) over younger, unproven players, but even he realized this club needed a jolt. 

The next test for Bochy will be his level of patience with the youngsters, especially with veterans still hanging around and itching for playing time.

But it's encouraging that we are seeing some of the fruits of a revitalized farm system. 

Coming Soon: Return of the Panda

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 11: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants sstands in the dugout before their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park on May 11, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pablo Sandoval's terrific start to 2011 made his somewhat-fluky hand injury especially galling. And it made the subsequent injury to Posey even more devastating.

The San Jose Mercury-News' Andy Baggerly reported yesterday that the Panda may take batting practice this week, and could return to the active roster in two weeks.

That would inject a desperately needed boost to the Giants offense. And it might take pressure off of Huff, Ross and other badly-pressing regulars. 

The NL West (or Least)

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HOUSTON - MAY 29: Manager Kirk Gibson #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks argues with home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn after he was thrown out of the game in the fourth inning at Minute Maid Park on May 29, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Im

Perhaps it's the water. Or mild (comparatively speaking) weather. 

In the NFL, the 2010 NFC West was a punch line. Its champion had a losing record.

That won't happen in the NL West, but the Giants have time to sort out their lineup issues without worrying that another club in the division is running away from them.

Two clubs look incapable of contending (Dodgers and Padres). Another had offense issues even before losing a key starting pitcher (Colorado).

Even first-place Arizona, with its formidable lineup, has shaky pitching (allowing seven-tenths of a run more than San Francisco).

Enough Aces in the Deck for Dealing

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 22: Jonathan Sanchez #57 of the San Francisco Giants starts against the Oakland A's at AT&T Park on May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 5-4 in 11 innings. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Contenders are always looking to add pitching depth as the trade deadline approaches. The Giants have uncommon depth in both their rotation and bullpen.

Enough, perhaps, to dangle for a bat (or two) this summer without significantly weakening their signature strength.

Arguments can certainly be made against parting with any starters. But if the offense continues to struggle, I wonder if Brian Sabean might—might—be willing to entertain offers for Jonathan Sanchez.

Or, package Sanchez and Nate Schierholtz for a power bat who wouldn't be merely a two-month rental. 

You might have noticed that Dan Runzler was sent to Fresno yesterday, ostensibly to work out some mechanical issues that have plagued him all year.

But there also are hints (per Andy Baggerly of the San Jose Mercury-News) that Runzler may be converted into a starter.

Might this be a hint that the Giants are open to dealing one of their lefty starters?