The 2012 season worked out perfectly for the San Francisco Giants, as they were able to call themselves World Champions. It seemed like it was destiny as this stocked pitching staff won its second championship in three years. 2013 hasn’t worked out so well for this Giants club though, as they have fallen on some hard times; including some injuries and pitchers not performing to their level of skill.

The Giants are currently 38-37 and trying to keep the ship afloat. They are three games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks who have been doing surprisingly well this season. One of the main reasons for the Giants sluggish start is due to their pitching staff, which in the past has been very good. Ryan Vogelsong has been on the 60-day DL since mid-April with a fractured hand. Two time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum has not pitched like a Cy Younger in a long while now. Talks of moving him to the bullpen have been discussed, but it is unclear whether or not they will make the move.

One good sign is the return of slugger Pablo Sandoval, who began taking batting practice and fielding a few short days ago. He is a big part of this offense and will hopefully spark an otherwise lackadaisical club. The Giants do not hit for power, as they have the second lowest amount of home runs in the NL at 50, but they hit for average as they have the second best batting average in the NL at .273. 

With the All-Star break not even upon us it is hard to believe that this team will remain in second place for much longer. This team is fresh off a championship season and have shown little sign as to why the can’t come back and take this division. Plus, they are only three games out of first place which is not some ridiculous insurmountable comeback that will need to be made. This team always steps up when need be and 2013 will be no different. As long as they can stay within five or six games until they are healthy I see no reason why this team can’t win the West once again.