One game against the Scats, and the Giants leapfrog over not one but two teams in runs per game. They are now ahead of both Arizona and San Diego, though in fairness the Padres haven't gotten to play us yet.
Here's my look at the Giants' game two starter and prediction. You can check out my preview of the series here for breakdowns on their hitters and bullpen.
On the Mound
Matt Cain: The 6'3", 246-pound Alabaman is finally getting a little luck. After spending the last two seasons getting some of the worst run support and most undeserved losing record in baseball, Cain this season is off to a 3-1 start with a tidy 2.61 ERA. That's while posting a 4.93 FIP, grossly inflated 90.9% strand rate and unsustainably depressed .254 BABIP.
Cain throws a fastball that sits comfortably in the low 90s and can touch 96 when he needs it and big bending curve. He's developed a very good change-up as well. He has solid strikeout and walk rates and strong flyball tendencies, which are helped by he Giants good outfield defense. He has a tendency to go too deep in counts trying to strike everyone out, but he's as durable as they come, going over 600 innings in his first 3 major-league seasons.
Bottom line, Cain is one of the Giants' bumper crop of young aces that will be giving the NL West fits for years.
Fearless Prediction
Season record: 19-11
Zimmermann has a solid bounce-back start, but it's Cain's night. Giants cool off the hot Nats bats.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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1 comment:
on Bill Simmons podcast, he & a guest discussed the lack of great nicknames in baseball. They started discussing Strasburg, and eventually settled on "The Anchorman". Based on him growing up in San Diego, the Will Ferrell movie, and his likely position as anchor of the Nats staff. I like it, and would be glad to see it catch on.
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