All spring training when people asked me what I thought of the Giants 2009 version, I was very cautious with the rays of hope I saw – which came in young players forcing the hand of management to let them play.
Needless to say, this team is VASTLY improved from where it was a year ago today.
Opening day was a good sample of why it is OK for fans to get excited. While this squad likely won’t be a playoff contender, it is nice to know that the team can score in more than just one inning, or come back from a deficit. Last year, once the other team got up a couple runs, it was usually time to change the channel.
Another positive is the bullpen. Last year the pen failed the team time and time again. This year, the team has totally revamped the pen, with two vets signed to hold down the late innings, and young guys there to fill the gaps between the starters and the late inning guys. Joe Martinez did a wonderful job, since Tim Lincecum was wild and came out early.
And it isn’t just the production on the field. The Giants farm system was recently ranked the 5th best in the majors. There was a time when cracking the top twenty just wasn’t possible. The team has shown a new vigor and ability to develop players. Last year, the team had old hacks starting all over the infield. Yesterday, the team fielded 4 home grown position players – when was the last time that happened? Did Marvin Benard, Rich Aurilia, Ramon E. Martinez and Doug Mirabelli ever start on the same day?
Sure, there are still plenty of needs. The left side of the infield looks like it will have its challenges defensively, Aaron Rowand may not be built to play center in SF, and the hitters aren’t going to score ten runs a game – but it is all steps in the right direction – hopefully they stay the course.
Needless to say, this team is VASTLY improved from where it was a year ago today.
Opening day was a good sample of why it is OK for fans to get excited. While this squad likely won’t be a playoff contender, it is nice to know that the team can score in more than just one inning, or come back from a deficit. Last year, once the other team got up a couple runs, it was usually time to change the channel.
Another positive is the bullpen. Last year the pen failed the team time and time again. This year, the team has totally revamped the pen, with two vets signed to hold down the late innings, and young guys there to fill the gaps between the starters and the late inning guys. Joe Martinez did a wonderful job, since Tim Lincecum was wild and came out early.
And it isn’t just the production on the field. The Giants farm system was recently ranked the 5th best in the majors. There was a time when cracking the top twenty just wasn’t possible. The team has shown a new vigor and ability to develop players. Last year, the team had old hacks starting all over the infield. Yesterday, the team fielded 4 home grown position players – when was the last time that happened? Did Marvin Benard, Rich Aurilia, Ramon E. Martinez and Doug Mirabelli ever start on the same day?
Sure, there are still plenty of needs. The left side of the infield looks like it will have its challenges defensively, Aaron Rowand may not be built to play center in SF, and the hitters aren’t going to score ten runs a game – but it is all steps in the right direction – hopefully they stay the course.
Plus - it can be nothing but a good omen is Sully is throwing out the first pitch...
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