Musings on the Giants first two weeks....

[KHenry14]

Well, sitting at 7-4 isn't too bad if you ask me, considering what's going on with the team.

Vizquel is having an outstanding start to the season both at the plate and in the field. Obviously his throw to 3rd DP playlast night is up for webgem of the year IMO, but he's be rapping the ball pretty darn well too.

Tim Worrell looks extremely confident on the mound, and his 5 saves are proof of that. Sabes learned his lesson last year (as did Colletti) that not having a backup closer can kill you. This year when Benitez went down we had a plan B and Timmy's done an outstanding job.

How the team has won 7 games with just about the worst hitting in the NL says something about the team. 1) Perhaps the team isn't as dependant upon Barry as we all thought. 2) Matt Morris really is that good. 3) Where has Jamey Wright been hiding exactly? 4) Brad Hennessey can pitch in this league. 5)And old guys can still play defense.

Two of those losses have come when Jason Schmidt has started and in both of those games the team could have won either had they hit just a bit. No shame losing to the likes of Peavy mind you, but all in all I am OK with the way he pitched. Sure, you want to see those walks be eliminated, but he's not far off from throwing a gem IMO.

A few negatives....Steve Kline isn't Scott Eyre. He's OK, but for example the way he went 0-2 to Drew last night and then ending up walking him wouldn't have happened to Scotty. Other's in the bullpen aren't doing the job either, like Taschner especially. One hopes that this will change as the season progresses. Also, I don't like the early trend of nagging injuries. Moises is already having calf problems and Neikro is having shingles, and Barry clearly isn't right yet and Noah went down in his first start, and Armondo has yet to pitch this season. Now this doesn't compare with what the Bums have gone through, but I am concerned that this trend might get worse before it gets better. Funny, but I'm not that worried about the hitting, as I think most of these guys will come around to have good seasons.

Anybody else??

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Keys for 2006 success:

1) Jason Smchidt has to come around. His control seems a little off so far.

2) Stay healthy! With two 40 year olds in the outfield that will be tough.

3) Young starters develop. Cain, Lowry and Henessey must produce.

4) Armando Benitez comes back strong.

5) Solid seasons from Feliz and Neikro. These guys are what they are, two average hitters that just refuse to take walks. :o

[Giantfanforever]

It's important to get off to a good start. Last year we had to play catch-up all year. The best thing about it is the team is getting it done without Bonds and Schmidt.

They both claim to be healthy, so you figure they're going to eventually hit their stride. The same is true for Randy Wynn, who carried the team on his back for the second half of the season in '05. When Lowery and Benitez get back, this pitching staff could be one of the best in the NL. The lack of run production is worrysome, though. Averaging about 2 runs per game doesn't make for a lot of wins, no matter how good the pitching is.

Let's break up the Rockies' dynasty.

[west coast orange and black]

the fewest home runs in the league;
the fewest runs scored;
the second-lowest runs-per-game average;
hits with men in scoring position occur every other full moon;
bonds' knee has abandoned him, he is inconsiderable pain and he unable to complete his swing;
alou's calf hurts at the start of a season as it often does... but now it's the other calf;
lowry on the shelf;
cain needs a compass;
a few of the young hurlers have had the jitters.

however, the team has turned the most double plays;
the up the middle defense has committed but one error;
worrell has pitched as if his life has depended on it;
benitez is set to return soon;
nieko took notes on his footwork this spring (thanx, cha-cha);
the giants are playing as a team.

as a whole, i'm good with all that. it's only april 18th.