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San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Cain, McGehee, Concerns for 2015

By Maggie Pilloton

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Mar 9, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain (18) throws between innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training baseball game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In 2015, it’s unlikely that Cain will pitch like the ace that he was in earlier years, when he finished with below-three ERAs. However, now that his elbow issue seems to be mostly resolved and behind him, Cain could certainly have a solid season. Giants fans might just have to re-define their view of what a “solid season” is.

Cain won’t have a Bumgarner-type of season, but I could definitely see him finishing the season with 180-200 innings under his belt and an ERA around 3.50.

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    • As is the case with Tim Lincecum, fans can’t expect a Cy Young-type of season from Cain, but they can alter their expectations slightly because of his surgery last season and still be pleased with Cain’s production. If Cain can pitch at least 180 innings this season, that will be a success. If he can keep his ERA below 3.50, that will be a success.

    Cain is now 30 and might not necessarily be able to be the same workhorse that he was in years past, when he pitched 220 innings per season. That marked remarkable durability and consistency, and Cain will always be thought of as “the horse” because of his highly impressive work ethic.

    However, he is coming off a fairly serious surgery and, as mentioned before, is now 30. That doesn’t mean that he can’t put up quality numbers though. Cain’s recovery has gone smoothly in Spring Training, and hopefully for the Giants, he can stay healthy in 2015. His health will be key in 2015, as he could secure the role of second-best pitcher in the starting rotation.

    Fans should be excited to see Cain back on the mound, but they should alter their expectations slightly with the thought that they can only be pleased with lower expectations. Best of luck to Cain this season, and it sure is nice to see him healthy again.

    Next: Who Will Be This Season's Panik?

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