How did Pablo Sandoval, a player just promoted from single A, with 184 PAs in AA, get his big break? It was all about lack of depth. The Giants’ backup catchers were not ready for the Majors.
On 1 July, Steve Holm, the backup catcher since spring training, got sent down to AAA. For the next six weeks, the Giants struggled.
About 14 August, the Giants decided they needed a new plan because:
- In the prior 20 games, they averaged 2.75 runs per game.
- Their season win-loss record was 50-70.
- They were in fourth place in the NL West.