SF Giants: The 3 biggest disappointments from the first half of 2022

At 48-43, the SF Giants are comfortably in the playoff picture. However, it feels like they could have a better record after some frustrating games. What were three of the biggest disappointments from the first half of 2022?

SF Giants: The 3 biggest disappointments from the first half of 2022

It has been said before but it bears repeating. The Giants were not going to win 107 games like they did last season. That said, fans had expectations of a playoff team heading into this season.

The front office rebuilt the rotation and worked to bolster the lineup by reeling in outfielder Joc Pederson on a one-year, $6 million pact. However, many fans wanted the Giants to make a bigger splash, especially considering that they are currently sitting approximately $55 million below the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT).

It felt like San Francisco did enough to keep the team competitive but they have regressed in many ways compared to last season.

1. The bullpen

The Giants bullpen posted a 2.99 ERA in 2021, which was the best mark in baseball. They bet on continuity and that is often a losing proposition given how volatile relievers can be.

During the championship run, the Giants relied heavily on a core of relievers including Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt, and Javier López. That type of stability is the exception, not the rule.

Many of the same Giants reliever from last year are not performing at nearly the same level as last season. Jake McGee, Tyler Rogers, and José Álvarez have struggled badly in 2022. McGee struggled to the tune of a 7.17 ERA in 24 appearances before being designated for assignment, whereas Álvarez posted a 5.28 ERA before hitting the injured list with elbow inflammation.

It has not been the same bullpen as it has posted a 4.19 ERA in 2022, which ranks as the eighth-worst mark in baseball. On the bright side, both Camilo Doval and John Brebbia have had strong seasons while Jarlín García
continues to be an effective option.

SF Giants: The 3 biggest disappointments from the first half of 2022

3. Brandon Crawford

Brandon Crawford was one of the best players in baseball last year. He finished fourth in the MVP voting after having a career-year at the plate where he posted a .298/.373/.522 line (140 OPS+) with 24 home runs, 90 RBI, and 79 runs in 549 plate appearances.

This included a National League All-Star nod as well as his fourth Gold Glove award. The Giants rewarded him with a two-year, $32 million extension midway through the season.

This season has not gone as planned for the longtime Giants shortstop. Crawford is currently on the injured list for the second time this season with a knee ailment. He has been one of the more durable players over the past decade and it is fair to wonder if his performance was in some way related to a nagging knee injury.

The left-handed bat has slashed .215/.297/.332 (77 OPS+) with five home runs, 33 RBI, and 29 runs in 279 plate appearances. He is not hitting the ball with as much force as he did last season and he has struggled to do damage against fastballs. These are not good trends for a player who is in his age-35 season.

On a different note, Crawford's defense at shortstop has taken a noticeable step back. The team's defensive struggles extend way beyond one position, but it is tough to ignore that the 12-year veteran has been worth -7 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) but he has been worth +1 Outs Above Average (OAA).

It would have been unrealistic to expect Crawford to replicate last year's production this season. However, Giants fans expected him to be a key cog and it just has not happened yet. Perhaps, recovering from the knee injury can be a springboard for a better second half.