It’s been a rough go for the San Francisco Giants in the 2017 season. Almost at the halfway point of the season, the Giants sit at 28-51, good for last place in the NL West.
Things didn’t get much better on Monday when a report surfaced from Ken Rosenthal documenting separation in the clubhouse, specifically pointing out how the pre-game and in-game routine of closer Mark Melancon may have affected the dynamic of the Giants bullpen.
Giants play-by-play voice Duane Kuiper joined Murph & Mac on Tuesday to discuss his thoughts on the report and the tough situation this has put Melancon in.
“I don’t have any idea what prompted someone to give this information to Rosenthal,” Kuiper said. “Somebody have an axe to grind with Melancon? Nobody knows. I just thought it was a really tired story and it’s putting a guy who is new on the team in a really bad spot.”
Melancon was the Giants’ big offseason acquisition, signing a four-year, $62 million deal that was expected to help shore up a bullpen that struggled mightily in the 2016 season. Although he has blown four saves on the season, Melancon is hardly the only problem, as the Giants offense is 27th in the league in runs scored.
“These [Giants beat writers] do not miss anything, whether it’s on the field or off the field,” Kuiper said. “They’re really bright, and they’re with the team. I think this story shocked them. And if it shocked them, than you really have to roll your eyes at what was written.”
To catch Kuiper’s full interview with Murph and Mac, in which he also gives an update on the health of Madison Bumgarner, click below. To listen to Kuiper talk about the Melancon situation, skip ahead to the 7:00 mark.