surprises

There's not much to complain about as a San Francisco Giants fan these days. Let's enjoy it all while we can.

For starters, the pitching has been about as wonderful as everyone predicted at the beginning of the season. Lincecum, no surprise, leads the team with a 1.29 ERA and 17 strikeouts in just 2 starts. However, maybe more of a surprise, is Barry Zito, 2nd on the starting staff with a 2.25 ERA in his 2 starts. Cain has struggled a bit with a 4.26 ERA, but with only 2 walks, it's nothing to worry about just yet. He'll get there. Wellemeyer is still a bit of a mystery, as he's new to this starting rotation. He was lights-out in spring training and his nerves may have played a part in his rocky 1st start this year (that, and some terrible defense behind him). However, possibly the best thing about this first week of the season has been the progression of Jonathan Sanchez. Last year, he struggled with consistency, having a terrible first half, only to be put in the bullpen, only to come roaring back with a no-hitter in his first start back. He went on to have a pretty solid second half of the season, with a 3.83 ERA after the all-star break. After a rough start last friday afternoon, Sanchez had a brilliant performance today. In 2010, he's 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA and, most impressive, he's tied with teammate Tim Lincecum for the National league lead in strikeouts with 17.

This is crucial for Sanchez. For a guy who can struggle with control, a good start is key for the rest of the season. If he can gain confidence and realize just how good his stuff is (Randy Johnson said last season that Sanchez might have the best stuff he's seen in a lefty...quite the compliment), Sanchez can be a key to this rotation. Instead of having 2 feared pitchers (Lincecum, Cain), maybe 3 (Zito on a good day), there could be 4 dominating pitchers in 1 starting rotation, easily making them the best rotation in baseball. Fingers crossed...

The second best thing to happen to the Giants this season thus far: Aubrey Huff. (Yes, I said Huff. He's made me a believer so far). Huff hasn't been as dominating hitting-wise as many expected from him, especially the power numbers (which will still not be great, given this ballpark). However, Huff gets on base. His .385 OBP, if he can maintain it, will be better than almost any Giants starter of 2009 (exception: Sandoval, at .387). Huff is being patient at the plate and taking lots of walks (something Giants hitters simply weren't aware was an option last season). If Huff can stay patient at the plate and can continue to be on-base, he can be the missing link that the Giants so desperately needed on offense last season.

It's been a solid 9 days of baseball. Here's hoping the next 173 are as good.

Jen