San Francisco Giants Spring Training Wonder Rotation

Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Many people consider the Los Angeles Dodgers to have the best rotation in the game, never mind the National League West, but thus far in spring training, the San Francisco Giants rotation is on the top of the pile. The five starters have combined for 21 innings pitched, 13 hits, 12 strikeouts and an amazing, only one run allowed making for a 0.45 ERA. The men behind the success? Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Hudson, Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong.

Matt Cain seems to be returning to his 2012 form, in which he pitched a perfect game, started the All Star game and totalled a 2.79 ERA. Madison Bumgarner, the Giants opening day starter appears to be picking up where he left off last year, when he led the staff with a career year. Tim Hudson, the new addition to the rotation, looks to be over his ankle injury from last year and is set to return to his best in the middle of the Giants rotation.

At the bottom of the rotation, Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong. Lincecum may have finally completed the transition into a solid starter, despite diminishing velocity and movement, his control has improved. His no-hitter last year, should be a guideline for what to expect from Lincecum in the coming year. Finally, Vogelsong who has recovered superbly from his injury last year, will return to his form of 2012 and 2013 when he posted a 3.04 over the two seasons.

With the new optimism surrounding the offense, the Giants could well be set to return to the postseason in the approaching season. The bullpen, which is set to be strong, and the offense which is much improved will provide the perfect support for their revitalised rotation. Anybody who only regards the Los Angeles Dodgers as contenders to win the NL West is delusional, watch out for the San Francisco Giants, and the newly formed wonder rotation in 2014.