Looking Forward to an Even Year

With the recent acquistions of past Cy Young award candidates Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, the San Francisco Giants have put themselves in prime position to win yet another even year championship, a feat similarly accomplished by the ballclub back in 2010, '12, and '14. San Francisco has been buzzing in hopes for their 4th world series ring in 7 years and Gneral Manager Bobby Evans is doing all he can to set the club up for yet another even year marathon. Cueto and Samardzija give pillars of hope to a diminshing pitching staff led by ace Madison Bumgarner. Giant fan favorites Jake Peavy and Matt Cain will roundabout the back end of the starting five.

After eight rollercoaster years, Tim Lincecum, now a free agent, remains on the Giants radar heading into January but coming off hip surgery and with a starting five already in place the hopes of Lincecum's return to the bay seems slim to none. Evans even mentioned they would take a look at Lincecum but he would be better of evaluating better playing options with other teams considering the situation the Giants are already in.

So what will 2016 realistically look like for the ballclub on the shores of McCovey Cove. It will all depend of the bounceback years of three major starters. Cueto had a very average year while winning a World Series with the Royals but the Gaints acquired him to see vintage Cinncinati Reds Cueto who had four consecutive years of sub 3 ERA. Similarly, Samardzija had a poor year with around a 4.50 ERA for the White Sox. The Giants have him locked up for the next 5 years with hopes to see him return to his all star form from back in 2014 in which he plyed for the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics. The Gaints are also very optimistic to see a positive workhorse year from 5th starter Matt Cain who has been on and off battling different injuries ever since he cut himself making a sandwhich in the clubhouse two years ago. On the offensive side, the Giants hope to showcase their homegrown infield in Matt Duffy, gold Glove winner Brandon Crawford, Joe Panik, Brandon Belt, and All Star MVP Buster Posey. The outfield is rounded out by veternas Hunter Pence, Angel Pagan, and a rotation amongst youngsters for the last spot.

The only thing standing in between, the and another postseason run is health. Every year after a championship many key players have been injured for extended periods of time just all but sealing the deal on another odd year. Once again, many pieces are perfectly in place for team members to have a healthy year. After two huge offseason acquisitions, the Giants look poised to make a strong run at the postseason. The good news, its an even year and the odds are even in their favor.