Keys to the Championship

After the historic game one of the World Series last night, the Giants seem to be the dominant team. Pablo Sandoval made history becoming the forth player ever (5th time) to hit 3 home runs in a world series game. He joins Babe Ruth (1926 and 1928), Reggie Jackson (1977) and Albert Pujols (2011) as the only players to hit 3 home runs in a world series game.

Each team cannot win without key players. One controversy heading into the playoffs was putting Tim Lincecum into the bullpen. A two time Cy Young award winner pitching out of the bullpen. It sounds crazy, but is it really?

The Giants took a shot to their team when Brian Wilson had to get surgery, their bullpen was weakened. Santiago Cassilla and Sergio Romo took over the role as closer and did a great job at it. The problem now is who will take their spot? Bruce Bochy primarily mixed and match for the 6th and 7th innings, but now he has a first class pitcher to fill the gap.

Last night Barry Zito was dealing, but he faced some adversity in the 6th inning.  Not wanting the lead to shrink further Bochy called to his secret weapon, Tim Lincecum. The All Star game out of the bullpen, faced Peralta and struck him out to get the final out in the 6th. Lincecum then went on to face 6 more batters and retired each one of them, not allowing a single batter to reach base in 2.1 innings. He struck out 5 of the 7 batters faced.

Being able to use this weapon out of the bullpen once every 2 games is something every manager wishes he could have in the World Series. As soon as the starting pitcher gets into some trouble, Bochy will call on Lincecum and pitch through the 7th inning to get the ball to Cassilla and Affeldt to mix and match for the 8th. Romo will be there to close the door in 9th.

Sandoval is as hot as they can be, Scuttaro is getting on base like no tomorrow, Blanco is making stellar catches every night and the starters are pitching fantastic. If this continues you can bet the Giants will be the 2012 World Series Champions.