San Francisco had a disappointing 2013 campaign and will look to have a rebound season in 2014. It won’t be an easy task, however as the Los Angeles Dodgers are the clear favorite in the NL West. The Giants can bounce back in 2014, but they’ll need their big name players to step up.
Last season, pitching was a prime concern for the Giants. After ranking within the top four in team ERA for four consecutive years, the Giants fell to 24th in the league in 2013. The struggles of Matt Cain (8-10 4.00 ERA) and Ryan Vogelsong 4-6 5.73 ERA) were big factors in the ERA drop.
San Francisco acknowledged the questions surrounding their rotation by adding a proven veteran in Tim Hudson. Hudson’s 2013 season was cut short due to injury, but if healthy the starting pitcher can be very valuable to this rotation that is expected to include, Cain, Vogelsong, Tim Lincecum, and Madison Bumgarner. In order for the Giants to bounce back in 2014 they will need production from their pitching staff. Cain had an amazing 2012 season, and the Giants need him to put up much better numbers than he did last year.
After losing Andres Torres this offseason, the Giants signed outfielder Michael Morse. Morse was off to an impressive start with the Seattle Mariners last season, but finished the season only playing 88 games due to injury. In those 88 games, Morse hit .215 with 13 homeruns and 27 RBI. Morse will be the only new face to the Giants lineup next season.
Pablo Sandoval has been working hard this offseason, losing roughly 30 pounds. The Panda had a good season last year, but with the weight loss, he and the Giants hope to get even more production out of him in 2014.
Brandon Belt is a key player to this Giants club. The first baseman had a breakout season last year batting .289 with 17 homeruns and 67 RBI. Belt has the potential to do even better in 2014. In order for the Giants to contend with the Dodgers, they will need Belt to build off his 2013 success.
There’s no denying the importance of Buster Posey to this club. He’s one of the best in the league and provided a lot of production both at and behind the plate last year. His main concern for this season will be the pitching staff and getting them on back on track.
It won’t be easy, but after finishing in third place with a 76-86 record, the Giants can bounce back this year. They have the talent to contend with the Dodgers, but the NL West looks to be a much better division this year than it was last year. The Colorado Rockies have improved and the Dodgers have a solid roster making them division favorites.
The Giants success will rely on the pitching staff. They have a talented roster with multiple players capable of delivering a big hit. They also have big name pitchers who went through a rough patch last season. As long as the starting pitchers are able to bounce back and pitch in 2012 form, they have a chance to be serious contenders in the NL West.