San Francisco Giants 2017 Player Review: Starting Pitchers
CHRIS STRATTON. A-. . RHP. San Francisco Giants
Record: 4-4
ERA: 3.68
IP: 58.2
GS: 10
One of the few positive things that will be returning to the Giants in 2018. As of right now I think it’s fair to say that he is the favorite for the 5th spot in the Giants’ rotation next year. Obviously, a lot can change in an offseason and a rough spring could be costly, but with his starts this year he showed the Giants he can pitch. And pitch pretty well if I might add.
The main thing that concerns me is his BB/9 rate of 4.3. If he can clean that up that would definitely be a boon.
Other than that, he was pretty solid. After he became ingrained in the starting rotation at the beginning of August, he did not have a single start where he allowed more than 3 runs.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention his very small sample size of just 10 starts. He may not have started too many games, but when he did start he showcased that he is a very serviceable end of the rotation starter.
One of the big debates this offseason will be Blach vs. Stratton for the five spot in the rotation. Very strong cases can be made for both sides, and to be honest I really don’t have a preference.
My guess would be (and yes I’m making Opening Day roster predictions in October) that they both make the opening day roster with the pitcher who doesn’t get the five spot serving as a long reliever.
With injuries and under-performance and all that jazz, odds are we’ll see both of them starting games for the Giants next year.
When you add it all up though, I think it’s more than fair to give Stratton a low A grade. He proved himself this year, and I’d have nothing wrong with him taking a spot in the rotation next year and running with it.