San Francisco Giants: 3 biggest takeaways vs. San Diego Padres

By Joel Reuter

Apr 11, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 03: Pitcher Derek Holland #45 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the first inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 29: Derek Holland #45 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park March 29, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Yesterday, we published an article on Derek Holland’s strong start on Tuesday night and how more of the same going forward could make him a valuable trade chip.

For some, the article’s message was confusing.

“If he’s good, why not keep him around?” read one comment on Facebook.

It’s time for a reality check, Giants fans.

This year’s team is not going to contend. Early optimism is great, and there’s enough talent on the roster for them to at least be competitive, especially if the pitching and defense hold up. Still, they’re a lot more likely to lose 100 games than they are to make the playoffs.

FanGraphs projection model currently gives the Giants a 1.4 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, while putting their over/under loss total at 90.5.

When the trade deadline rolls around, the Giants are going to be sellers. And if Holland keeps throwing the ball the way he did on Tuesday when he allowed just one earned run while striking out nine in seven innings of work, contenders are going to come calling.

That’s a good thing, Giants fans. That’s the best-case scenario for a team that should have both eyes fixed on the future. Embrace it.