For each player I rate their regular reason (solely with Giants, not with their prior team) and their post season. I base their grade via season stats, my perception of their performance, their growth as a player and their importance to the team.
My first portion will be the Giants pitching staff, everyone on the 40 man roster who had any significant playing time.
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Player Grades:
Jeremy Affeldt: C-
Regular Season, B Playoffs
Regular Season, B Playoffs
Jeremy didn’t pitch terrible down the stretch for the Gmen
and showed that he is still more than capable of being a shut down set up guy.
However, that being said, his performance on the field this year wasn’t close
to what we saw from the best set up man of 2009. Location issues with the
fastball and his issues with his curve made him half the pitcher he was last
year. 4.14 era and a 1.6 WHIP don’t cut it for Aflac and I expect a big rebound
this year. A 4.14 era isn’t exactly gas can bad, but its not what you expect
for a guy making 4 million and who got an MVP vote in 2009.
and showed that he is still more than capable of being a shut down set up guy.
However, that being said, his performance on the field this year wasn’t close
to what we saw from the best set up man of 2009. Location issues with the
fastball and his issues with his curve made him half the pitcher he was last
year. 4.14 era and a 1.6 WHIP don’t cut it for Aflac and I expect a big rebound
this year. A 4.14 era isn’t exactly gas can bad, but its not what you expect
for a guy making 4 million and who got an MVP vote in 2009.
At least he showed some of his old self in the playoffs, but
he still wasn’t perfect.
he still wasn’t perfect.
Madison Bumgarner: A-
Regular Season, A+ Playoffs
Regular Season, A+ Playoffs
3 era and a 1.3 WHIP aren’t exactly out of this world, but
when you consider that Madison was being tabbed the next great Giants failure
after losing velocity at the end of last year and a tough Spring, he deserves
all the credit for his success. While Madison isn’t the power pitcher some
might have expected from his minor league performances in A and AA, he has been
outstanding none the less. He reminds me a lot of a Tom Glavine type guy who
just goes out and throws strikes and while he can strike out guys when he needs
to, he doesn’t have to in order to win ballgames. He had some rough outing
early on, but his 1.13 era in September showcased that when this guy wants to,
he can be as good as anyone on our staff.
when you consider that Madison was being tabbed the next great Giants failure
after losing velocity at the end of last year and a tough Spring, he deserves
all the credit for his success. While Madison isn’t the power pitcher some
might have expected from his minor league performances in A and AA, he has been
outstanding none the less. He reminds me a lot of a Tom Glavine type guy who
just goes out and throws strikes and while he can strike out guys when he needs
to, he doesn’t have to in order to win ballgames. He had some rough outing
early on, but his 1.13 era in September showcased that when this guy wants to,
he can be as good as anyone on our staff.
In the playoffs, Madison shined even more and had maybe the
most memorable start of any rookie pitcher in MLB history, when he went 8
innings in game 4, ensuring the Giants went into game 5 with control of the
series. If Madison doesn’t shut down the Rangers, who knows where the World
Series would have gone. It’s easy to forget that he went into Atlanta and beat
the Braves to prevent a 5th game and that he pitched 2 massive
innings in the clinching game against Philly. Is there anything this kid can’t
do? (He can ever hit!)
most memorable start of any rookie pitcher in MLB history, when he went 8
innings in game 4, ensuring the Giants went into game 5 with control of the
series. If Madison doesn’t shut down the Rangers, who knows where the World
Series would have gone. It’s easy to forget that he went into Atlanta and beat
the Braves to prevent a 5th game and that he pitched 2 massive
innings in the clinching game against Philly. Is there anything this kid can’t
do? (He can ever hit!)
Matt Cain: A- Regular
Season, A+ Playoffs
Season, A+ Playoffs
Shotgun, aka Matty Cain, had himself another stand out
season in the shadow of Tim Lincecum. Only difference is, that this year, he
might have been better than the Freak. While his era actually went up a small
bit, he improved his WHIP to a stellar 1.084. I thought this might be the year
where Cain makes a run at the CY and at times, he appeared more than capable. He
gave up more home runs than I would have liked, but you can’t argue with a
decrease in walks each season the past 2 years. Many teams would have Matt
penciled in as their number 1 and we are lucky enough to have him pitching
behind Timmy.
season in the shadow of Tim Lincecum. Only difference is, that this year, he
might have been better than the Freak. While his era actually went up a small
bit, he improved his WHIP to a stellar 1.084. I thought this might be the year
where Cain makes a run at the CY and at times, he appeared more than capable. He
gave up more home runs than I would have liked, but you can’t argue with a
decrease in walks each season the past 2 years. Many teams would have Matt
penciled in as their number 1 and we are lucky enough to have him pitching
behind Timmy.
In the playoffs, Matt Cain was absolutely outstanding. 0 ERA
says it all and if you take away 1 bad pitch by Romo, he easily could have gone
3-0 in the playoffs. He mixed his pitches perfectly and kept his fastball out
of the middle of the strike zone. If the playoffs are a sign of anything, its
that Matt Cain may not even be at his peak yet…a scary thought. A + for the 0
ERA Texas Cainsaw Massacre…
says it all and if you take away 1 bad pitch by Romo, he easily could have gone
3-0 in the playoffs. He mixed his pitches perfectly and kept his fastball out
of the middle of the strike zone. If the playoffs are a sign of anything, its
that Matt Cain may not even be at his peak yet…a scary thought. A + for the 0
ERA Texas Cainsaw Massacre…
Santiago Casilla: A
Regular Season, B+ Playoffs
Regular Season, B+ Playoffs
Santiago Casilla was absolutely phenomenal for the Giants in
2010. He is a guy who had a lot of control issues previously in his career, but
he has appeared to have figured out many of them. With Affedlts issues, Casilla
stepped up big time for the Giants. With a 2 seam fastball in the high 90’s and
a nice 2 plane slider, most teams never had a chance against him. There were
games where he didn’t have his location and it causes issues, but he was
predominantly unhittable and a key member of the bullpen. A1.6 WAR is nothing
to complain about from a guy who couldn’t find a contract this offseason.
2010. He is a guy who had a lot of control issues previously in his career, but
he has appeared to have figured out many of them. With Affedlts issues, Casilla
stepped up big time for the Giants. With a 2 seam fastball in the high 90’s and
a nice 2 plane slider, most teams never had a chance against him. There were
games where he didn’t have his location and it causes issues, but he was
predominantly unhittable and a key member of the bullpen. A1.6 WAR is nothing
to complain about from a guy who couldn’t find a contract this offseason.
He had the one bad game against Philly, which ended up not
hurting us as we won in the bottom of the 9th, but other than that,
he was pretty much great. Still can’t get a A when you nearly cough up a game…
hurting us as we won in the bottom of the 9th, but other than that,
he was pretty much great. Still can’t get a A when you nearly cough up a game…
Tim Lincecum: C+
Regular Season, A Playoffs
Regular Season, A Playoffs
Not easy to give The Freak a C+ regular season grade, but he
wasn’t himself in the middle of the season and was hard to watch at times.
Statistically he regressed in about every statistical category, yet since the
team was so much better, still won more games this year than last. He had a lot
of trouble with location and his change up at points this year and it made him
look very human at times. He gets a passing grade this year however, because an
outstanding September helped the Giants make the playoffs. His new found slider
was as nasty as anything I have seen him throw and I can’t wait to see him come
back next year with his new 4 pitch repertoire (2 seam, Slider, Change, Curve).
I think he realizes that he cant stop working hard and we will see a CY Young
Timmy Next year.
wasn’t himself in the middle of the season and was hard to watch at times.
Statistically he regressed in about every statistical category, yet since the
team was so much better, still won more games this year than last. He had a lot
of trouble with location and his change up at points this year and it made him
look very human at times. He gets a passing grade this year however, because an
outstanding September helped the Giants make the playoffs. His new found slider
was as nasty as anything I have seen him throw and I can’t wait to see him come
back next year with his new 4 pitch repertoire (2 seam, Slider, Change, Curve).
I think he realizes that he cant stop working hard and we will see a CY Young
Timmy Next year.
In the playoffs, Timmy was outstanding. 4-1 with a 2.43 era,
including 2 wins against “one of the greatest post season pitchers ever” (can
you say Jinx Joe Buck and ESPN?). His game 1 against ATL and Philly were
statement games that set the tempo for the rest of the series. Timmy was vital
to our WS run and he was as good as he has ever been. Doesn’t get the A+
though, because he didn’t have the 0 era and he did have one loss. Still,
amazing from the freak
including 2 wins against “one of the greatest post season pitchers ever” (can
you say Jinx Joe Buck and ESPN?). His game 1 against ATL and Philly were
statement games that set the tempo for the rest of the series. Timmy was vital
to our WS run and he was as good as he has ever been. Doesn’t get the A+
though, because he didn’t have the 0 era and he did have one loss. Still,
amazing from the freak
Javier Lopez: A+
Regular Season, A+ Playoffs
Regular Season, A+ Playoffs
You think this guy likes not being in Pittsburgh anymore? I
don’t know if its our Hetch hetchy water, the clam chowder or the smell of
garlic fries, but this guy was as lights out as you can be. 1.42 era and a 0.68
WHIP!!! DIOS MIO! We traded to get a guy who could shut down Left handed
hitters, they hit .162 off of him, A GOOD TRADE! He might not be able to repeat
this year again, but its quite apparent that when this guy is on, he is
basically a terror for left handed hitters.
don’t know if its our Hetch hetchy water, the clam chowder or the smell of
garlic fries, but this guy was as lights out as you can be. 1.42 era and a 0.68
WHIP!!! DIOS MIO! We traded to get a guy who could shut down Left handed
hitters, they hit .162 off of him, A GOOD TRADE! He might not be able to repeat
this year again, but its quite apparent that when this guy is on, he is
basically a terror for left handed hitters.
How do you follow up a near perfect season with the Giants?
You just do the same thing in the playoffs: 1.59 era, giving up 1 hit! 6 holds
and a win....Not too shabby Mr. Lopez
You just do the same thing in the playoffs: 1.59 era, giving up 1 hit! 6 holds
and a win....Not too shabby Mr. Lopez
Ramon Ramires: A+
Regular Season, D Playoffs
Regular Season, D Playoffs
Ramon Ramires was as good as Lopez in the regular season if
not better. 0.67 era and only 13 hits over 27 innings. I was amazed with his
ability to get the ground out in tough situations and I think he will be a nice
middle inning reliever for the Giants in the future
not better. 0.67 era and only 13 hits over 27 innings. I was amazed with his
ability to get the ground out in tough situations and I think he will be a nice
middle inning reliever for the Giants in the future
13.5 ERA in playoffs…ouch. Lets hope this was just a bad
bout of pressure getting the best of a good relief pitcher.
bout of pressure getting the best of a good relief pitcher.
Chris Ray: C regular
season
season
If you have no idea who I am talking about, you are likely a
bandwagon Giants fan or you didn’t pay attention until the end of the season.
We picked up Ray in the Molina trade and I would say that Posey getting the
starting job was more important than anything Ray did. He started off hot and
it appeared that maybe we had hit it big with the hard throwing righty, but the
honeymoon quickly ended and he decided that a 4 era was more in order. He had 1
really bad appearance against Colorado which didn’t help his cause, when he
helped us lose a big game there. He was no on the playoff roster and will
likely have to earn his job this spring.
bandwagon Giants fan or you didn’t pay attention until the end of the season.
We picked up Ray in the Molina trade and I would say that Posey getting the
starting job was more important than anything Ray did. He started off hot and
it appeared that maybe we had hit it big with the hard throwing righty, but the
honeymoon quickly ended and he decided that a 4 era was more in order. He had 1
really bad appearance against Colorado which didn’t help his cause, when he
helped us lose a big game there. He was no on the playoff roster and will
likely have to earn his job this spring.
Sergio Romo: A-
Regular Season, D+ Playoffs
Regular Season, D+ Playoffs
The bearded assassin was a big part of our bullpen this year
and at times was our go to guy. There were times where people were calling for
his head after a 2 blown saves against the Dodgers, but if you look at his
year, he was great. The fact that he went all September with no earned runs, 3
hits and a single walk, was just icing the cake on an already great season. I
still hope he develops a 3rd pitch (he has a change, but never
throws it), but his slider is nasty and his fastball is quick enough to make
guys miss. Did I mention he looks like a lot of guys at Gitmo?
and at times was our go to guy. There were times where people were calling for
his head after a 2 blown saves against the Dodgers, but if you look at his
year, he was great. The fact that he went all September with no earned runs, 3
hits and a single walk, was just icing the cake on an already great season. I
still hope he develops a 3rd pitch (he has a change, but never
throws it), but his slider is nasty and his fastball is quick enough to make
guys miss. Did I mention he looks like a lot of guys at Gitmo?
In the playoffs: 6 appearances, 3 were bad ones. His ERA was
over 7 and he coughed up that game against Atlanta. His last 4 outing produced
0 ER, but he definitely wasn’t the same guy we saw in September.
over 7 and he coughed up that game against Atlanta. His last 4 outing produced
0 ER, but he definitely wasn’t the same guy we saw in September.
Dan Runzler: C
Regular Season
Regular Season
I assumed that Runzler had a poor season, because of
injuries and I don’t have many found memories. However, at closer look, he wasn’t
terrible (3.00 era). The walks were definitely an issue, but I definitely see Runz
having a bounce back year in 2011. He has got the stuff to be elite, excited to
see what he can do as a starting pitcher (http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=679062)
injuries and I don’t have many found memories. However, at closer look, he wasn’t
terrible (3.00 era). The walks were definitely an issue, but I definitely see Runz
having a bounce back year in 2011. He has got the stuff to be elite, excited to
see what he can do as a starting pitcher (http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=679062)
Jonathan Sanchez: A
Regular Season, C- Playoffs
Regular Season, C- Playoffs
While I still have
higher expectations for Sanchez in the future, this year was a huge step in his
development. He posted the lowest ERA of any Giants starter and at times was
flat out unhittable. He still had his games where you were pulling your hair
out, because the guy couldn’t find the strike zone, but those times were far
fewer than 2009. My key development for Sanchez was the growth of his change
up, which I think can help him become an elite pitcher in this league. He still
needs to get his walks down, a lot, but I am hopeful with his repertoire, that
he can become a Johan Santana type talent.
higher expectations for Sanchez in the future, this year was a huge step in his
development. He posted the lowest ERA of any Giants starter and at times was
flat out unhittable. He still had his games where you were pulling your hair
out, because the guy couldn’t find the strike zone, but those times were far
fewer than 2009. My key development for Sanchez was the growth of his change
up, which I think can help him become an elite pitcher in this league. He still
needs to get his walks down, a lot, but I am hopeful with his repertoire, that
he can become a Johan Santana type talent.
In the playoffs Sanchez looked tired and nervous. He had 1
great start against ATL and then the next thing you knew he was getting railed
by the Phillies and Rangers. He had never pitched that many innings and his
velocity was down, so interesting to see how he fairs as his arms gets stronger
with time.
great start against ATL and then the next thing you knew he was getting railed
by the Phillies and Rangers. He had never pitched that many innings and his
velocity was down, so interesting to see how he fairs as his arms gets stronger
with time.
Brian Wilson: A
Regular Season, A+ Playoffs
Regular Season, A+ Playoffs
I wanted to give him a A- regular season, but I thought
people would report my blog for abuse, since the guy was possibly the best
closer in all of baseball this year. Not to mention, his ERA was down to 1.8
era and he had 48 saves. I feared the beard and I would hope every hitter that
faced him did too. The reason I think he still has room to improve, is that
every two or three games, he makes every Giants wish they were wearing Oops I
crapped my pants…
people would report my blog for abuse, since the guy was possibly the best
closer in all of baseball this year. Not to mention, his ERA was down to 1.8
era and he had 48 saves. I feared the beard and I would hope every hitter that
faced him did too. The reason I think he still has room to improve, is that
every two or three games, he makes every Giants wish they were wearing Oops I
crapped my pants…
In the playoffs, Brian Wilson was perfect. 6 saves, 0 era.
He is a machine, hence why he is friends with the machine.
He is a machine, hence why he is friends with the machine.
Barry Zito: C-
Regular Season, F Playoffs
Regular Season, F Playoffs
This was actually a tough decision, because at moments
earlier in the season, Zito was as good as anyone on our staff. That being
said, he made no improvement over his stats from 2009 and his 2nd
half was absolutely terrible. There was about 2-3 months where I thought Zito
might become a good pitcher again, but it appears he is destined for
mediocrity, at the highest paid level. The saddest thing about Barry is that
every year I have to root for him, because I know his 20 million dollar salary
will never be moved and we just have to hope he can put it all together (which
he has shown he can still do at times). I hope that next year Zito can combine
2nd half 2009 with 1st half 2010 to put together a season
where he actually earns a significant portion of his insane contract.
earlier in the season, Zito was as good as anyone on our staff. That being
said, he made no improvement over his stats from 2009 and his 2nd
half was absolutely terrible. There was about 2-3 months where I thought Zito
might become a good pitcher again, but it appears he is destined for
mediocrity, at the highest paid level. The saddest thing about Barry is that
every year I have to root for him, because I know his 20 million dollar salary
will never be moved and we just have to hope he can put it all together (which
he has shown he can still do at times). I hope that next year Zito can combine
2nd half 2009 with 1st half 2010 to put together a season
where he actually earns a significant portion of his insane contract.
Playoffs: 20 million dollars, 0 innings pitched, FAIL!
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