All Hat, No Cowboy: Another Brian Wilson Debacle Stifles the Giants

What are the prerequisites needed to be a major league closer?

Imposing on-the-field demeanor. Check.

Uniquely wild-looking haircut. Check.

Tattoo sleeves. Check.

Personal introduction music. Check.

Blindingly fast heater. Check.

Ability to consistently mow down the opposing team's lineup and preserve the victory.

Fail.

Coming off yet another game that has blown up in his face, Giants closer Brian Wilson has again seemingly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Wilson has shown the ability to look the part, but he simply doesn't deliver the goods.

Yes, in this last effort with the score tied 4-4 going into the top of the ninth, Wilson wasn't in a save situation, but he was out there to preserve the tie and allow the Giants' bats an opportunity to scratch out another run for the win.

Instead, as Giants fans are growing accustomed to, Wilson came in against the Mets on Thursday night and fell apart like a towering game of Jenga.

His stat line for the game: 1 IP, 3 hits, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO.

Lest you think last night's game was an aberration, Wilson's last 10 games (10.4 innings) pitched have yielded 8 ER, 11 hits, 2 HR, 4 BB, 11 SO, 1 Win, 1 Loss, 6 Sv, and 2 BlSv. 

His performance this season is just an extension from his second half last season. In the final month of the season, Wilson managed to blow three out of eight save opportunities, sporting an 8.64 ERA, while giving up 14 hits, 8 ER, 8 BB, and 3 HR in just 8.1 IP.

His ineptitude on the mound has Giants fans reminiscing about Armando Benitez sans the childish attitude and disdain for accountability.

The Giants are handcuffed by Wilson, as they have no real alternatives for a closer. Perhaps once off the disabled list the Giants might consider Sergio Romo as an option. Romo showed a lot of promise last season as a reliever, striking out 33 batters while walking only eight in 34 innings and garnering five holds.

Romo is trying to get himself off the 15-day DL with a strained throwing elbow.

Unfortunately for Giants fans, they will have to continue to wince in anticipation of the worst when Wilson steps to the mound.