Ranking every player on the San Francisco Giants post-All Star break
Jun 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Justin Maxwell (43) hits a two RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
- Justin Maxwell
Like Susac, Justin Maxwell’s value goes beyond the box score. He played way over his head with Hunter Pence out—so good that Bruce Bochy was ready to continue trotting him out in a four-man outfield rotation. Maxwell has since come back down to earth, but remains the Giants’ top power bat off the bench and a nice two-way player (team-high 7.2 UZR on defense in right).
- Santiago Casilla
The overall numbers for the Giants closer are solid (23 SV, 3.34 ERA, 1.39 WHIP), but he’s already blown as many saves as he did all of last year (4) and lefties continue to feast on his offerings (.333 BA, .611 SLG). The ninth-inning gig is his for now, but I could see a guy a little further down this list claim it before season’s end.
- George Kontos
No, not George Kontos. I had you there for a second though, didn’t I? All jokes aside, Kontos has been stellar for San Francisco in middle-relief duty, boasting a team-best 1.67 ERA and keeping all 25 of his inherited runners from scoring. A favorable BABIP (.203) points to a second-half regression, but that’s my pessimistic side talking.
- Hunter Strickland
Now, we arrive at the heir apparent to Casilla’s closer role. I know he’s only pitched a shade over 20 innings this year, but I’m already getting Brian Wilson flashbacks with Strickland’s overpowering stuff (26/5 K/BB ratio). The most important number: 0. As in 0 home runs given up all season.
- Javier Lopez
The left-handed specialist continues to get it done, posting incredible numbers at age 38: 1.88 ERA, 0.75 WHIP. His absurdly low .172 BABIP has something to do with it, but you can’t deny Lopez’s effectiveness late in games.
Next: No. 10-8