The Giants had a rough start to the week, with the announcement that Jung Hoo Lee had suffered a shoulder injury and the team’s loss to the Dodgers. It seemed like the season was going to be a disappointing one for the Giants, with struggling veterans in the lineup and a lack of exciting young players. However, things took a turn for the better.
Luis Matos, at just 22 years old, became the youngest player in history to have consecutive 5+ RBI games. This was an impressive feat that brought some much-needed excitement to the team. Matos’ performance against the Rockies was particularly outstanding, and it showed that he has the potential to be a major-league talent.
Matos was not the only young player making waves for the Giants. Marco Luciano also showed promise with his quality at-bats. If either of these players can continue to perform well, it will greatly benefit the team. Additionally, there is the potential for Heliot Ramos to develop into a standout player.
To put Matos and Luciano’s performances into perspective, a look at the Giants’ history of 25-and-under hitters with RBI is necessary. The 1960s and early 1970s were golden eras for the Giants in terms of young hitters driving in runs. These were successful periods for the team, although they did not result in championships.
Despite the excitement around Matos and Luciano, it is important to remember that their performances came against the Rockies, who had won seven straight games. Further tests will be needed to determine if their success is sustainable. However, their performances brought some much-needed positivity to the team.
On the other hand, there were some positive developments among the older players on the team as well. Matt Chapman’s performance improved from the previous week, and while it is not outstanding, it is playable considering his exceptional defense. Jorge Soler also showed promise upon his return from injury, reminding fans why they were excited when the Giants signed him. Curt Casali’s hitting was also a highlight, and while his current OPS may not be sustainable, it was enjoyable to watch him perform well.
The combination of young and old players working together resulted in a four-game winning streak for the Giants, their longest since September. However, it is important not to read too much into this success just yet.
One player who has made a significant impact is Randy Rodríguez. His velocity and slider have been impressive, and if he continues to pitch well, he will likely see more high-leverage appearances. His performance against hitters has been outstanding, as shown by their futile swings.
Overall, last week was unexpectedly fun for the Giants. The performances of the young players brought excitement to the team, while the older players also showed promise. The upcoming week may not be as exciting, but there is hope that the team can continue to build on their recent success.