The major problem with the Giants team is their offense. And it's easy to blame the Buster Posey injury as the main reason, but it's not the only reason. One thing that goes largely unnoticed is the Freddy Sanchez injury. Sanchez was a good acquisition for them since 2009. Not only was he a good on base guy at the top of the order, but he is a good defensive second baseman. Last year in fact, the Giants defense was the best in league in terms of runs saved with 64.7, according to Fangraphs. So far this year, the Giants defense has saved 14.3 runs. They aren't playing that well lately though, because they've been sacrificing defense to try to get any offensive boost that they can.
While watching them, they don't show any urgency when on the bases. They're only starter with speed is Andres Torres, and beside him, they have a bunch of average to below average runners. I still don't see them start their runners very often. When a team is struggling as much as they are to score, they need to press the issue. They seem to content on going station to station because they know that they can't take extra bases.
The onus isn't only on the players and manager, however. The General Manager Brian Sabean hasn't done much to help the team in the past year. For years the Giants have been bringing on older declining veterans, most of which who are league average or worse. Last season, it actually worked, and they won it all. Sabean decided to resign most of these players, one of which was Aubrey Huff, to a two year contract. Huff was good in 2010, but everyone knew it wasn't repeatable. By signing Huff, Sabean blocked the path for Brandon Belt, who is has been up and down between the major league team and AAA Frenso. Belt is now back with the big club, but is forced to play the outfield, instead of first base, his natural position. The team also retained the services of Cody Ross, Pat Burrell, and Mike Fontenot for 2011.
Although I don't expect the Giants to change their ways all that much, especially only one year removed from winning the World Series, I just find it frustrating that they look like they're gonna waste the prime years of one of the best pitching staffs in the league.
Sabean did bring in Bill Hall, Jeff Keppinger, and Carlos Beltran this season, and two of them have been good acquisitions. Bill Hall didn't make a good impression with the club, and was designated for assignemtn after three weeks. Keppinger can adequately replace Sanchez's offense, but he's not a good defensive second baseman. Beltran was a good addition, and immediately became the team's best offensive outfielder. I don't know why they haven't pursued a catcher, however. Since Posey went down, they've used Eli Whiteside, and Chris Stewart at catcher. Combined they've hit .206, with an on base of about .280. I find it hard to believe that they were satisfied with this, or couldn't upgrade the position. They could have probably had either of the Reds catchers, or Chris Iannetta from the Rockies. All three of those options are good on base options with a little bit of power, and they'd all be significant upgrades.
On August 11, I wrote a post entitled "Why the Giants Might Lose the West," and it has come to fruition. If the Giants miss the playoffs this year, they can still set themselves up to win the division in 2012, if they make wise personal decisions. Assuming Posey is ready for the season next spring, they don't need to upgrade at that position. If they're smart, they'll put Brandon Belt at first base full time, and part ways with Aubrey Huff. Pablo Sandoval will be at the hot corner. The two middle infielders and the three outfield spots need to be addressed. Trying to bring back Carlos Beltran would be a good place to start. They're other outfielders are all replacement level, they're serviceable, but nothing special. With or without Beltran, they could go after B.J. Upton, or someone else who could play center field.
They're middle infield spots are where I think that they need to make a splash though. If Freddy Sanchez recovers, I'd be fine with bringing him back, but all the others need to go. There's no reason to keep Miguel Tejada, Orlando Cabrera, Mike Fontenot, or Jeff Keppinger, unless they're for a utility infield position only. I would understand if they decided to make Brandon Crawford they're starting shortstop at the beginning of the season, but I would like to see them try to upgrade the position, because it'd be the easiest spot to upgrade for them. In an ideal world, they would bring back Carlos Beltran, and reunite him with his former teammate Jose Reyes. If they did bring in Reyes, Crawford could then be used as a trade chip at the deadline to bring back a complimentary player if they needed it.
All in all, the Giants are still a good team, and they are very close to being a very good team. After the season, if they manage to retain Beltran, get Posey healthy, sign another above average hitter, and trim the fat off of the roster, they will probably be the front runner to win the division in 2012.
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