64 wins and 98 losses. That’s the San Francisco Giants record from the All-Star break in 2016 to the All-Star break in 2017. For the mathematically challenged, that’s 162 games, a full season. The second worst record in all of baseball, only the sad sack Philadelphia Phillies are worse at 59-101.
This record doesn’t subtly whisper tweak the roster, like a paint job on an old house, it screams rebuild at the top of its turnstile moving lungs, but that’s the issue. The Giants, like many teams don’t want to use the term rebuild. It admits to the loyal AT&T Park fan base what most of them know is reality: the team needs more than some paint and spackle. Some walls need to come down, the roof is bad, the plumbing has major leaks. After all, if an entertainment entity admits to major renovations, there is a ton to do in Northern California. You may discover a new beach, a tasty wine or your ever dwindling disposable sports income is better spent on the NBA champion Warriors.
There’s a chance the Giants are going to have to take an insider tip. The fans know the team is bad. How bad? Las Vegas took the Giants’ World Series odds off the board this week. Call it rebuild, reload, recharge, 64-98 is ridiculous for a team with these resources. If not for the World Series hungover Chicago Cubs, the Giants would be the biggest disappointment in baseball this season. The sale signs should be out on everyone, there should be no untouchables.
I get it, the Giants have been one of the most successful franchises in sports in recent years. Built on pitching, defense and timely hitting. The front office likes continuity on the field for long term success and off the field for ticket sales. At times, they would even admit to going too far on the loyalty front. They have given thank you contracts to Aubrey Huff, Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain. They watched sparks fly from Pablo Sandoval’s fork until the end. Franchises must evolve and it is time for the Giants to prepare for the future. They can still compete. They don’t need to live where the A’s do. Keep key players because they can help win games, not bring in fans.
The National League West isn’t getting any easier. While the Giants have been rolling around in the basement at 64-98 from break to break, the Dodgers have gone 101-61 over the same period of time. The Rockies are 87-78, the Diamondbacks 84-77 and even the Padres are better at 68-93. This does not suggest painting the shutters and mowing the grass.
The solution? Reality. If this front office is more worried about what the fans think, they’ll soon be sitting with them. Make baseball moves based on what is best for the franchise, popular or not. The park and atmosphere is the best in baseball, fans go there for the experience as much as balls and strikes. This isn’t New York and that’s a good thing. Did you see Warriors attendance when the team thought winning was a disease they didn’t want to catch? Fans still came out.
We are an easy media. We won’t bite if the team has a young, exciting base to build around. Fans are about the park, the restaurants and the bars as much as the game itself. Take advantage of that California fact. Winning is the thing and you can’t drop to these levels every year, understood.
However, the Dodgers, Yankees and Astros badly need a starter for the post season. Each of these teams has a stellar farm system. The Giants have one prospect in the just released mid-season Baseball America top 100, so the big help isn’t likely down on the farm. The team should hold a ransom for each starter and if they want to blow Bobby Evans away, Madison Bumgarner is on the table. As good as he has been, are the Giants ready to cough up the $300 million it may take to sign him long term? Outside of Clayton Kershaw, big money, long term pitching deals have not gone well for the teams. Matt Cain or Barry Zito anyone? It’s not likely Bumgarner moves at the deadline, but don’t hang up the phone right away if someone asks.
The Yankees need a first baseman, Brandon Belt could hit 40 home runs aiming at the Yankees Stadium porch in right. The Nationals could be a closer away from the World Series — and they know and like Mark Melancon. Eduardo Nunez with his speed and versatility can help any contender. Jeff Samardzija’s value may never be higher and he once fetched Addison Russell in a trade. Trade deadlines are littered with one-sided deals from teams desperate to win now. The Giants are on the unfamiliar other side and need to take advantage.
Free agent power bats won’t come to AT&T Park like free agent pitchers won’t go near Colorado. This opportunity is a must if the team is to be competitive in short order. This season is on track to be the biggest power year in baseball history, but not for the powerless Giants, they are last in baseball with the long ball. I’ve heard the cries to change the park to make it more hitter friendly — not happening. This team can still be built on it’s principles, those guidelines won three World Series. The game is about power more than ever though. The team needs to get aggressive in acquiring thumping bats and if they won’t sign here and the system isn’t producing those bats, trades are the only way to acquire them.
I get the position Bobby Evans is in. Make impactful, franchise altering decisions while keeping key players intact to appease the ticket buying public and keep the momentum going from the Giants’ recent glory years. These fans aren’t dumb though. This thing called the internet shows the standings and you have to scroll down a ways to find the Giants these days. Fans will fall in love with the new guys. Some of the known guys have to go.