Scouting the World Series: A Path to Victory?

Once again, the Giants find themselves in a postseason series as the clear underdogs. The arguments are well known: Rangers have a clearly superior lineup, Cliff Lee is unbeatable, the AL is a stronger league, an on and on. So far, the Giants have managed to confound the "experts" who, IMO, have grossly underestimated the overall strength of their pitching staff as well as underestimating the importance of pitching relative to hitting. I'm not going to go through a position-by-position rundown of the lineups/rosters. If you look at it that way, the Rangers are going to win and win easily. What the Giants have to do to win is follow the same formula that has gotten them this far: Use their pitching quality and depth to neutralize the other team's lineup advantage thus keeping the games low scoring and close. Wait for a timely hit or two or the other team to make a costly error, then close it out with Brian Wilson using him for more than 1 inning, if necessary. The question becomes then, can the Giants keep on doing it?

There are a couple of reasons why the Giants may not be able to keep their amazing run going, fatigue and inexperience. I have seen many a pitcher or team hit a stamina wall as the postseason extends into the World Series. I still believe it played a key role in the Giants losing the 2002 World Series to the Angels. For whatever reason, the Angels simply had fresher arms and legs and outlasted the Giants.

The specific players who I have stamina concerns about are Timmy, MadBum and Buster Posey, maybe Huff Daddy. The critical one is Timmy above all, with MadBum close behind. Bruce Bochy has done a fantastic job of managing this team so far, but here's where I have a bit of a question. Timmy has had stamina issues this season already. He has already started 3 postseason games plus appeared in one in relief. He is going tonight on 5 days rest, normally an extra day, but he did have that relief appearance where he looked none too strong. Matt Cain, on the other hand, has made just 2 postseason starts while not allowing an earned run. He currently is sitting on 7 days rest. I would start Cainer today while giving Timmy an extra day to gather his strength. Timmy has appeared to benefit from an extra day of rest here and there, and I have confidence in Matt Cain holding his own against Cliff Lee in game 1.

MadBum doen't start until Game 4, and with the Rangers being a RH leaning lineup, it is unlikely he would be used in relief before then. I don't have a major concern about 'Bum being adequately rested for Game 4.

The other key to the series is the Giants younger starters, Sanchez and MadBum will have to keep their composure. MadBum seems to have icewater running in his veins and showed absolutely no fear in a critical 2 inning relief appearance in Game 6 against the Phillies. I think he's gonna be OK. He just needs to maintain his velocity through about 5 innings and Bochy needs to have him on short, short leash. Sanchez is the bigger worry. He has a long history of letting his emotions control him, which he seemed to have largely overcome as the year went along. His meltdown, and make no mistake it was a meltdown, in Game 6 of the NLCS is worrisome. He'll be facing a tough, RH heavy lineup in a bandbox ballpark with an unfriendly crowd. There is no respite in the lineup in the AL park as the DH is in effect. Sanchez is going to have to man-up or else his start could be a blowout. Again, Bochy will have to have him on a very short leash, but then you have two consecutive starters on a short leash! What becomes of the bullpen then?

Lastly, Bruce Bochy has no choice but to regain trust in the RHP's in his bullpen. He used his LHP relievers brilliantly and to great advantage against the Phillies. Against Texas, they will likely only be needed against Josh Hamilton. Romo, Casilla, Ramirez and even Guillermo Mota will need to step it back up big time.

So that's it. My Path to Victory for the Giants. Pitching, pitching, more pitching, good defense and timely hitting. Do they have one more round in them?

I am excited!

Go Giants!!!