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Checking in on Where the Giants are now that June is almost Here
The G-Men are ending May with a mixed performance that reflected both the promise and challenges of this rebuilding season. After a 19-12 start through April that was an early-season surprise to many, there has been some regression in May (including being swept over the last 3 games by the MLB league-leading Tigers). The Giants will likely finish the month (depending on whether they can find their bats in Miami) with an estimated overall season mark of 33-26. Regardless, the Giants remain competitive in the loaded National League West, sitting just three games behind the division-leading team from you know where, and one game behind the Padres, whom they play next week. The Giants' home performance will be crucial for maintaining their playoff positioning, with key contributors like Logan Webb anchoring the rotation, probably the best bullpen in the National League, and Jung Hoo Lee continuing to provide an offensive spark.
May Performance Analysis – The Problem is Hitting
The Giants' May performance represented what some writers called “a natural adjustment period” following their strong April showing (translation: what goes up must come down). This overall record makes it look like the Giants’ May performance will not be up to their 19-12 April, but given the caliber of teams they played on the road, it is nothing to sneeze at.
The losses to the Detroit Tigers (best record in baseball and a team headed for the playoffs) highlighted the growing pains the Giants have experienced as they navigate this rebuilding phase with the Buster Posey mix of veteran leadership (Chapman, Yaz, Lee, Logan, and Verlander) and emerging young talent (Fitzgerald, Schmidt, Bailey, Birdsong, and Ramos). The defeat also demonstrated the team's ongoing challenges with offensive consistency, as they managed only one run despite having previously shown the ability to score prolifically, including a 14-run outburst against the Chicago Cubs earlier in May. On the good news side, the key players in the bullpen (Rodriguez, Rogers, and Doval) have been nails. Unfortunately, none of them can make up for not scoring runs.
The Problem: In a word, hitting.
Key Performance Indicators
Throughout May, several individual performances stood out as both positive and concerning indicators for the Giants' trajectory. Logan Webb continued to serve as the ace of the rotation, maintaining a strong 2.67 ERA while posting a 5-5 record. Webb's consistency has been a cornerstone of the Giants' pitching staff, providing the reliable anchor that the team's leadership envisioned when they committed to building around established talent. His performance has been particularly crucial given the team's need for veteran stability as the season progresses.
Jung Hoo Lee is one of the season's most pleasant surprises. He leads the National League with 11 doubles through early May while contributing three home runs, two triples, and 18 RBIs. Lee's impact extends beyond his offensive numbers. His stellar defense in center field and aggressive base running energize everyone, including the fans (witness the Jung Hoo Lee Crew in the stands at home). His performance has been complemented by Matt Chapman's patient approach at the plate, with the third baseman drawing 26 walks to help set the table for run producers like Wilmer Flores, who capitalized with 29 RBIs.
However, not all individual performances met expectations during May. The team's most expensive free agent acquisition, shortstop Willy Adames, is struggling at the plate and not performing to his historic numbers. Maybe he just must find his rhythm, and he might do it in the next homestand after taking more time in the batting cage with Barry Bonds, who is trying to work his magic discipline with the Giants hitters.
Trends to Watch – Offensive Struggles
The 3 losses to Detroit (through Wednesday) exemplified these struggles, as the Giants failed to generate meaningful offensive pressure in the final three innings despite trailing by only two runs. The team's inability to advance runners into scoring position during crucial moments reflected ongoing challenges with situational hitting that have prevented them from maximizing scoring opportunities throughout the month. This must change, and hopefully will, against the Padres and the Braves. Bob Melvin, are you listening?
The Upcoming series – Padres and Braves
We enter June positioned to capitalize on a critical seven-game homestand that could solidify their standing in the National League West race, or lead to a lot of second-guessing before the trade deadline. With a 17-9 home record (.654 winning percentage) through May 26 and a pitching staff optimized for their ballpark’s dimensions, the Giants face a pivotal stretch against San Diego, where we will see Blake Snell against Logan Webb, and the struggling Atlanta Braves. The question is whether we can leverage home-field advantages including a dominant bullpen, defensive excellence, and favorable pitching matchup to maintain momentum in the tight NL West.
On the Board ready for pick up are:
TUES 6/3 [6:45] Padres (4) – Nurses Night
WED 6/4 [6:45] Padres (3) – I’m going
THUR 6/5 [12:45] Padres (4)
FRI 6/6 [7:15] Braves (4) – Irish Heritage Night
SAT 6/7 [1:05] Braves [4]
SUN 6/8 [1:05 Braves [4] – Hello Kitty Jersey
Let the torture continue.
Ciao, and GO GIANTS!
The Czar
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THE PROTOCOL: The firm has four seats in Section 118 (Premium Lower Boxes), Rows 25 and 26. These are awesome seats directly below the press box and 25 rows behind the home plate on the left side behind the screen. It is foul ball territory for left-handed batters so bring your glove – I have collected 22 foul balls myself over 23 years and am looking for more. If we don’t use all the tickets ourselves (or clients and friends of the firm don't claim them by calling me and reserving a game), then my next step is to give the tickets TO THE FIRST PERSON WHO GETS BACK TO ME PROVIDED THAT THEY ARE SERIOUS. If you ask for the tickets and don't use them, you will be taken off the list unless there is a seriously good reason. There will be a waitlist.
When there are four seats available (we split up a lot of games) we will allocate the tickets two and two if the first people back just want two tickets. You can also go for four and might get them. I'm the Czar, my call.
Oh, and BTW, The Czar found the original Hinman & Carmichael brick from 2000 (after looking for it every year since 2000) and found H&C’s Gotham Club Founders Bat! If you are on the patio, or in the Club, look for the symbols of baseball!
