Giants fans might fret about today's game with the St. Louis Cardinals, but don't expect Matt Cain to share their anxiety.
Cain, the youthful veteran who arrived in the big leagues in 2005, doesn't show much emotion – unless he's celebrating something like throwing a perfect game or winning the World Series. Stuff like that fires him up.
But he's not much of a showman, and he seldom registers emotions such as consternation, worry, anger, doubt and fear when he pitches.
After a tough loss during his first year in the major leagues, Cain, then 20, was impassive and unruffled. Disappointed that his pitching effort – sabotaged by ineffective relief – in a key Sept. 14 game against eventual National League West champion San Diego failed to help the Giants gain ground, he was calm, implacable. "It's not much fun," Cain said about losing during a postgame clubhouse interview, "but you have to keep going."
Not quite as baby-faced as in those early days, Cain has kept going: through tough on-the-job lessons and poor run support; into his emergence as one of the league's top right-handers and a World Series champion; and, ultimately, to this important start against the Cardinals.
Consistency has been Cain's signature, composure his default state of being.
He might not be perfect or even a sure thing, but he'll be the player everyone else on the field today believes is the best man for the job at hand.
What to watch
Baseball, Giants at St. Louis, 1:07 p.m., FOX40: Figure on lots of "sick" calls at work today with Cain on the mound in Game 3 of the NLCS.
Today's poll
Which Giants starting pitcher gives you the most confidence?
• Madison Bumgarner
• Matt Cain
• Tim Lincecum
• Ryan Vogelsong
• Barry Zito
Vote above or leaveyour comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Tuesday's results
What is your favorite Sleep Train Arena slogan?
• "Your ticket to a two-hour nap:" 46%
• "Where the home players have more spring:" 13%
• "Where the home team always sleepwalks:" 18%
• "All aboard the K-train to the playoffs:" 23%
Total votes: 119
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
• Read more articles by Brian Blomster
Order Reprint
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "Report Abuse" link below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.