San Francisco Giants: 5 Positive Takeaways From April

Brandon Crawford’s Emergence

Apr 27, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) jogs back to the dugout after a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not even the end of April and Brandon Crawford has already totaled five home runs. If you saw that coming, you’re a genius. But assuming you didn’t, which is very likely, let’s take a look at Crawford’s approach.

  O-Swing%  Z-Swing%   Swing%
2012      34.7           69                  50
2013      31.8          65.4                47

So, he’s swinging at less pitches outside of the zone and less pitches inside of zone. In other words, he’s looking for his pitch, and when he gets his pitch, he’s crushing it.

Crawford’s early season success obviously isn’t likely to last. Or more specifically, his power surge isn’t likely to last. But his .272/.346/.511 slash line is sustainable. And that’s with an average .282 BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play), which is actually a little low.

If Crawford keeps producing, he could force Bruce Bochy’s hand, and eventually find himself implanted in the No. 2 spot in the Giants’ lineup.