Giants Need Reinforcements for the Stretch

The Giant's form in the first half has been erratic. They have won twelve games in a row, and thrice lost four in row. They will go into the All-Star break either in first, or a stone's throw from it. Now the time has come to decide: Can the Giants fashion a realistic post-season charge, or should they steel themselves for an extensive off-season retooling?

Recent history points to danger. Only last July--although it may seem like aeons ago--the Giants made the biggest move at the trade deadline, acquiring Sidney Ponson to bolster the starting staff. This seasons' rotation has fared little better than last year, with Schmidt, Rueter and Williams performing at their 2003 levels, and Dustin Hermanson and Brett Tomko playing Jesse Foppert/Jim Brower and Damian Moss respectively.

The Giants pitching staff needs strengthening, from end to end. Assuming that the purse strings remain tight (the front office are not planning on adding payroll for 2005), the addition of a reliable starter is probably the most Giants fans can hope for. Ideally, a dominating partner for Schmidt would allow the team to contend in October. But without some restructuring in the bullpen, there be only more blown saves, not wins. Urgeuth Urbina is available--albeit at a premium--but there are a number of hard throwing options that Sabean and co will consider before any moves are made.

On the horizon, the changes could be ringing. Something at least to keep San Francisco's ailing fans entertained on that possible, distant road to Yankee Stadium.