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A Look Back at the 10 Greatest Relievers in San Francisco Giants History

By Taylor Wirth

Apr 22, 2017

Aug 14, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Sergio Romo (54) celebrates after striking out a batter during the eighth inning at AT&T Park. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Washington Nationals 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 17, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; A view of the Grapefruit League logo on official Rawlings baseball at JetBlue Park. The Astros won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

#2 Greg Minton (1975-1987)

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Greg Minton rounds out the third elite member of the Giants bullpen during the 70’s and 80’s. Minton is second to Gary Lavelle in bullpen innings pitched, and in the top five in saves for the Giants.

Minton was not known for his stuff, dawning a K/9 of only 3.6. Minton’s ability to locate in the zone and get batters to hit it where he places it, made him dominant.

In 1982, Minton completed one of the best seasons by a relief pitcher ever. From 1982-1986 he averaged 112 innings pitched per year, while also racking up saves.

Greg Minton was the middle reliever of middle relievers back in the day as he gave up some runs, but man oh man was he a horse.

Minton is argued to be the best Giants reliever of all time, but found by most to be a very close second to our next pitcher.

Minton’s numbers with the Giants

Record: 45-52 ERA: 3.23 IP: 870.1 SV: 125

Minton’s accomplishments

Finished in top 23 in MVP voting: 1981
Finished in top 8 of MVP voting: 1982
Finished in top 6 in Cy Young voting: 1982
All-Star: 1982