As the years go by, every team signs some free agents who pan out, some who do not and some in the middle. Then there is Johnny Cueto, who has surpassed all expectations since the Giants signed him for six years, $130 million, their richest deal for a pitcher.
The freshly minted All-Star has twisted, turned, rocking-chaired and quick-pitched his way into the good graces of the faithful while coming as close as any pitcher can to a guaranteed win for his team.
The Giants won 16 of Cueto's 18 first-half starts, including Wednesday night's capper, 5-1 over the Rockies at AT&T Park.