The Giants bullpen is going through a major period of transition. Longtime relievers are no longer in San Francisco and new closer Mark Melancon is joining the team from Washington.
However, the injury to Will Smith has created a big question to be answered as the season gets underway. KNBR and NBC Sports Bay Area broadcaster Duane Kuiper joined Tolbert and Lund to discuss the options of replacing Smith.
Tolbert mentioned how good Giants lefty Josh Osich can look on some nights. In 9.1 innings this spring, the 28-year-old posted a 6.75 ERA — not exactly an ideal number. Kuiper went on to say that consistency is a big key for Osich moving forward.
“Well, that’s the problem. He could do that on Sunday and just look lights out, but on Tuesday, you’re trying to figure out who’s wearing his uniform and then on Wednesday, he could be great again,” Kuiper said. “In a lot of ways, you have to be patient. But managers don’t like to have to experiment with guys In the 8th inning, even in the 7th. And he’s not a guy where Buster can put his target on the outside corner and say ‘Here, hit it.’ You almost have to put the target right down the middle of the plate and then play off of where he’s going to throw it. But he’s got terrific stuff there isn’t any doubt, but there’s a long list of guys that had terrific stuff and just couldn’t harness it. They’re hoping that he can do that, and if he can, then the loss of Will Smith isn’t such a big loss.”
Listen to the full interview below, which also includes a good discussion about Derek Law’s role.
