Midseason Progress Report: San Francisco Giants Exceeding Expectations

As we near the mid-point of the 2009 season, Giants fans should be on cloud nine.  After a lengthy hibernation in the cave of mediocrity, these bears are awake—and they’re starting to look like contenders.  Whether or not Giants fans are excited, Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean surely are.  San Francisco’s manager and GM both began the season on seats that were hotter than a car stereo at a swap meet.  It was easy to see from the beginning that pitching would be the Giants’ strength this season.  Tim Lincecum and company have definitely not disappointed.  After turning in a Cy Young-winning performance in 2008, “The Freak” is at it again in ’09 —only this year, he’s got an accomplice.  Matt Cain has been equally impressive, establishing himself as one of the NL’s best with a record of 9-2 and a 2.57 ERA.  The Giants pitching staff boasts a 3.61 ERA—that’s the best mark in the ... (link)