After bottoming out last year to the tune of 64-98, the San Francisco Giants doubled down over the offseason on the likelihood that that record was a fluke. Who could really blame them? They have one of the best managers in the game, Bruce Bochy, one of the best catchers if not the best in Buster Posey and MadBum, Madison Bumgarner, a top starter in all of baseball. It also helps that they have a recent history of winning it all in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Not to mention one of the most beautiful parks in all of baseball.
The team with it’s meager prospect depth went into the offseason thinking that if they just filled a few holes they could quickly turn things around. They started by sacking Panda, Pablo Sandoval, and trading for Evan Longoria, the life long Ray. Then they traded for Andrew McCutchen, a lifelong Pirate. These two were definitely in need of a change of scenery and could flourish in a winning clubhouse. These are smart moves in some aspects but they all hinged on one thing; a healthy return to action for their ace MadBum.
The freak four wheeler injury that wrecked his shoulder last year wasn’t the only thing that lead the team to their dismal record but it sure was a major factor. Sure, the underperforming mega contract players, Johny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, were a factor but there is nothing that gives a team more confidence than a stopper, a rock, a pillar in the rotation that when you need that win to turn your luck, he can do it. MadBum is that stopper.
Now, in a division that had three playoff teams in 2017 and are projected to be even better this year, what are the chances you improve enough to win another 23 games to sniff a wild card? Gotta have those mega contracts perform and you have to those change of scenery players gel and then thrive in their new surroundings but mostly you need your ace, your stopper for everyone to rally around.
This is why Madison Bumgarner’s broken hand is so devastating. A day ago, a line drive in a meaningless spring game shatters his pinky on his throwing hand. He is out indefinitely and probably won’t pitch until after the all star break. I forgot to mention this too. The Giants have the oldest roster in major league baseball. Couple that with the poor farm team and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. What does management do know? Blow it up before the one last hoorah or pray that everything is going according to plan by the time your ace gets back. Drama and the season hasn’t even started yet.
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