Last night in a tight 2-1 win over the Cleveland Indians, the Giants finally showed their ability to win the way they intended to at the start of this season – with pitching, defense and timely hitting.
It was a quick flash of confidence-inspiring baseball in what has been a long and dreary season for San Francisco. But with the ability to still win games like they did last night against a first-place club in the Indians, it shows that maybe the Giants aren’t that far off after all. This season may be lost, but if the core stays intact for next season, there could be optimism that the team can turn it around.
Count manager Bruce Bochy as one person who believes in what this team can do. On Murph & Mac Wednesday morning, Bochy addressed the big-picture status of his squad, and he said he has faith that just some minor tweaks could put the Giants right back in contention next year. As for the upcoming trade deadline, Bochy said the Giants won’t be overeager in needing to trade certain players right now.
“For us, it doesn’t have to happen now,” Bochy said. “Bobby (Evans) is going to be talking to all the clubs and he’s going to listen to everything, but It’s not something we’re going to force just because of our situation. If something makes sense out there and he gets what he wants for a certain player, sure you make that deal, but sometimes you’re better off to wait. What I’m hoping – because there are consequences when you have a tough season like this and you understand it – and so I’m hoping we get this thing turned around, as I mentioned earlier, and play better ball and realize that we don’t have to do a lot.”
Bochy talked a bit more about the 2018 season, saying last night’s starter Ty Blach figures to remain in the rotation next year after the solid 2017 he’s had so far. It’s been reported the Giants are open to fielding offers for almost any player, but by no means are they expected to blow the whole roster up.
“We’re better than this, but unfortunately this is part of baseball, and you have your ups and downs, so I am hoping that we play better and we don’t break this thing down, because we are close,” Bochy said.
The full interview with Bochy is available below.
