San Francisco Giants Morning Commute 4/23

Apr 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Madison Bumgarner pitched a complete game against the Rockies, only allowed two runs, and still lost. Let that sink in for a moment. Once again, our starting pitcher did his job, and once again, the bat came up cold. Yeah, this slump is getting old for me, too.

Here’s some interesting stats that Bumgarner would probably rather not exist.

But maybe it’s close to ending. Hunter Pence did a home run last night, and has seemingly had a decent last two games at the plate.

"“I thought they had better at-bats,” manager Bruce Bochy said. Pablo (Sandoval), he was quieter, and Pence, too. I was encouraged. I really was tonight. We seemed like we weren’t coming off the ball as much.”– No telling which way the offense will go, but it’s not looking good, Henry Schulman, SF Chronicle"

I’m not sure it’s over yet, but I do think it has to end soon. That’s just the way baseball works.

Mike Krukow joined Murph & Mac on KNBR this morning and had a few things to say about the slump and what may be to come. Here’s some notes from his interview.

He’s with the fans saying, “I feel the need for a flip out.” Great, thanks Krukow. He says hitters aren’t sleeping right now, and realize they aren’t doing right by their pitchers.

He was asked if the collision with Paul Goldschmidt had any impact on Buster Posey. In short, no. He doesn’t think he’s hurt since he’s catching everyday and doesn’t think it’s affected Posey’s psyche. He thinks it’s just pure coincidence that his slump started after that that collision. He also said while Posey is pretty “close-mouthed” about it, that Posey trusts that it’s all going to come back.

Brandon Belt in 3 hole? “For right now, it’s the way to go….In fact, I’d have him hit 3rd, 6th, and 9th!”

He also said that Sandoval is “completely lost,” yet acknowledged that the brunt of this can’t be put on him. He also said that

Krukow also talked about the 2B issue, since none of the three options right now are delivering. His comments weren’t very positive to most of them.

• “Ehire Adrianza looks like he shouldn’t belong in the big leagues when he gets in the batter’s box.”
• “Joaquin Arias is not every day player.” He did acknowledge he’s the best option right now.
• Brandon Hicks not good at plate and isn’t cutting it.