Matt Cain Is San Francisco Giants’ 2015 X-Factor
By John Shea
@real_johnshea
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The resilient San Francisco Giants were somehow able to win their third championship in five years without “The Horse” having a significant impact. Matt Cain finally succumbed to elbow surgery after recording just two wins in 15 starts last season. The three-time All-Star appeared fatigued toward the end of 2013 and was apparently pitching with bone chips in his throwing elbow.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy has assured that Cain is on track to assume normal baseball activity in spring training, and he is projected to begin the 2015 regular season on the Opening Day roster, presumably as the No. 2 starter behind Madison Bumgarner. The Giants’ starting rotation is stacked with experience, but each domino lined up after “Mad Bum” faces serious question marks.
The Giants haven’t been dismissed as a potential landing spot for free agent right-hander James Shields, although a move of that magnitude would be somewhat uncharacteristic for San Francisco, considering Shields’ age (33) and price tag. The Giants seemingly intend to start their latest World Series defense with four starters who are at least two seasons removed from their prime.
Jake Peavy was solid for the Giants down the stretch, posting a 6-4 record with a 2.17 ERA in 12 starts to help the orange and black claim a Wild Card berth en route to a title. Tim Hudson was stout during the first half, earning All-Star honors as an alternate, but folded in September and struggled throughout the postseason. Tim Lincecum hurled his second-career no-hitter as part of a brief midseason resurgence, but was eventually outcast to the bullpen, and didn’t play a factor in the playoffs.
The bounded level of iffy-ness engulfing the Giants’ 2015 rotation means one thing: Cain needs to be the 2012 version of himself if the Giants are going to win the NL West next season.
The Giants’ former ace has registered a combined 10-17 record with a 4.06 ERA in 45 starts over the past two seasons. In the two seasons prior, Cain posted a 28-16 mark with a 2.84 ERA over 65 starts. His self-described “cranky” elbow couldn’t hold out midway through last season, which ultimately landed him on the shelf.
If Cain is unable to pitch near his previous level of production, the Giants will struggle to finish 2015 with a winning record, let alone earn a postseason bid. Cain’s ability to pitch like an ace again is key to the Giants’ World Series defense, especially considering their weakened offense.
John Shea is an MLB writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @real_johnshea. Like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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