The San Francisco Giants have clinched the NL’s second wild card spot and will face the New York Mets on Wednesday night. (AP)
For the fourth straight even year, the San Francisco Giants are headed to the postseason. With a 7-1 win against the rival Dodgers, the Giants have secured their place in the National League wild-card game, where they’ll visit the New York Mets on Wednesday.
Now the question is: Can they make it four straight even years with a World Series championship?
If you’re a believer in momentum, then we have a dilemma. After finishing the first half with an MLB-best 57-33 record, San Francisco has essentially limped through the second half, posting a 30-42 record during the second half. They went from controlling the division with a seven-game lead, to squeezing by the St. Louis Cardinals just for a chance at a single-game elimination.
By the same token, they have won four straight must-win games, including a weekend sweep of the Dodgers. Their confidence should be its highest in months.
Also working in San Francisco’s favor is Madison Bumgarner. The fearless ace has succeeded in the wild-card game before, and he’ll try to do so again on Wednesday. If the Giants clear that hurdle, they’ll be dangerous, because they do boast some depth in that rotation beyond Bumgarner. Out are names like Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jake Peavy. In are Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Matt Moore.
Pitching is their bread and butter, but Buster Posey remains a centerpiece. Despite a surprising two-month homer drought that recently ended, he’s as dangerous as any hitter in baseball. He’s the engine, while guys like Brandon Belt, Hunter Pence and Joe Panik provide the fuel.
Unfortunately, the bullpen can be leaky from time-to-time. That may prove to be their downfall. Overall though, it’s a solid team with irreplaceable experience.
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