Cain: Future role in S.F.?

Coach Matt Cain? It could happen.

In the wake of Cain’s announcement that he plans to retire, manager Bruce Bochy said he expects the pitcher to have some role in the only major-league organization he has known.

“I’m sure he’ll be doing some stuff to help us,” Bochy said.

Althought that might not be iron-clad, Bochy talked a lot with Cain over the past few days, so the manager’s comments did not seem off the cuff.

“This is a guy who is so well thought-of in the organization,” Bochy said. “I’m sure he’ll catch his breath, and we’ll come up with something that’s good for both sides. I hope he’ll be around so we can spend some time with him.”

The only question is when. Cain has two girls who are about to turn 7 and 4, and, like Ryan Vogelsong, might want to devote some time to being a full-time dad.

Lighter load: One of the theories behind the Giants’ oddyear, even-year phenomenon is the heavy workload and shorter offseasons for the starting pitchers when they had to pitch an extra month in the World Series championship years.

Could the reverse effect help the Giants in 2018?

Jeff Samardzija will be the only S.F. pitcher to end the year with at least 200 innings. Matt Moore is next closest at 1741⁄3, Ty Blach has pitched 1612⁄3 and Chris Stratton a combined 1311⁄3 going into his final start Friday.

Then there are the two who have gone through World Series championship runs in recent years, the top starters on the staff, Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto.

Bumgarner’s left arm certainly was traumatized by his separated shoulder, and Cueto dealt with blister and elbow issues, but one result was Bumgarner throwing just 111 innings and Cueto 1421⁄3 going into his last start Sunday. They also will get a full offseason.

Having two fresher arms atop the rotation (assuming Cueto returns) could work in the Giants’ favor.

“I certainly think so with the light load both of them carried this year,” Bochy said. “You can look at that as a silver lining.”

Bumgarner is wary of the theory.

“I wouldn’t say that for myself,” he said. “Other years I’ve thrown 200 innings and the next year, I felt the same. I’ve felt good my whole career. I’ve done a lot of work to take care of my body and get ready. A lot of people might think (a lighter workload) might help. I don’t.”