SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (87-75), 2ND, NL WEST
uSeason snapshot: They claimed a fourth playoff berth in seven years by winning five of their last six games, including a three-game sweep of the National League West champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the final series. The Giants, who would face the Chicago Cubs in the division series if they beat the New York Mets in the wild-card game this week, took a majors-best 57-33 record into the All-Star break only to play .379 ball over the next 66 games. Then came the 5-1 sprint. “It’s not always a paved road,” Giants President told the San Francisco Chronicle after the playoff-clinching victory Sunday. “Sometimes it’s bumpy.” Several Giants players had fine seasons, led by Along with leading all NL players in defensive runs saved, he hit .275 with 11 triples (tied for the major league lead), 12 home runs and a team-high 84 RBI.
uWhat now: No matter how long the postseason lasts for the Giants, who won the World Series in the other even-numbered years this decade starting in 2010, they will look to strengthen their bullpen and outfield. A rotation headed by
appears set with the summer trade for No. 4 starter
who retired his final 13 consecutive hitters in the playoff clincher, and rookie
who in the 161st game held the Dodgers to three hits and no runs over eight innings to defeat Clayton Kershaw.
uFree agent focus: The team’s list of players headed toward free agency includes three relievers who were big contributors to the recent World Series runs:
and lefty Casilla doesn’t figure to return, and Romo, who finished the season as the closer, missed nearly three months this season because of elbow problems, so finding another closer is a priority. Pitcher
outfielder and infielder also are eligible for free agency.
uProspects
Shortstop 21, played three infield spots with Class AA Richmond (Va.) and might have a shot at a utility role with the Giants next season. Arroyo, drafted 25th overall in 2013, posted career highs of 36 doubles and 119 games this season. The Giants held through the trade deadline, instead dealing another pitching prospect, Phil Bickford, for relief help. Beede, a former first-round pick of the Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, made 24 starts with Richmond and increased his strikeout rate to 8.3 per nine innings.
Tom Krasovic