The San Francisco Giants entered the week in a first-place tie with the might Los Angeles Dodgers, and many are asking how that is possible.
The Giants have been one of the most profitable teams in baseball this season while bettors and baseball fans continue to doubt them. San Fran doesn't have a star-studded lineup; they lack a big-time power hitter in the middle of the order and by and large this team flies under the radar every year because of these things. In fact, they haven't had a 30-home run hitter since Barry Bonds and their best offensive player Matt Chapman is currently on the IL. They tried to go buy some offense in the off season, but Willy Adames has not adjusted well. The public knows this, and they keep waiting for the fall.
The Giants though can pitch and pitch and pitch some more. They have some solid rotation arms like Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, but neither seem to be pushing the agenda for the Joe Public bettor. Their young starters have also contributed in a big way with Harrison, Birdsong and Loup all looking great at points this year.
With all that said though it's the bullpen that has been the thing to bet on. Betting in game on bullpens is tricky and some would say, next level betting, but with the Giants you feel comfortable. San Fran is so good that their closer was struggling to begin the season, so they replaced him, and he is looking like one of the best in the league. In fact, their new 8th inning man Rodriguez is looking as good as Doval the closer.
The Giants bullpen is becoming historic. Entering the week, they had a lowest adjusted bullpen ERA than anyone since 1927. That Cubs team had 75 complete games that season, so it's not a stretch to say this is the best pen ever. Much like Cleveland last season they are mixing and matching and shutting teams down late in the game, which presents a buying opportunity for us. ERA - is a stat where the average is 100 and they sit at -60. The Giants are a team to watch in game and enjoy that bullpen success. As long as the public doesn't adjust this team will keep putting up zeros on the scoreboard and adding zeros to your betting account.