Is there anyone who anticipates how your 2007 San Francisco Giants will get along without Barry Bonds' estate of lockers?
OK, so we weren't entirely serious there. But c-c-c-c-changes are on the horizon.
Barry Bonds is not the forefront of the team anymore and he knows it (and is probably glad to let the younger guys take over). The team is split 20/20 with guys born before and since 1980. The non-roster invitees are composed of 16 born before 1980 and 13 born since. As long as all the veterans aren't on crutches, that's a good thing.
The Giants certainly remade the team from the top down. They literally stole Bruce Bochy from the Padres in one of the craftiest moves of the offseason by any team. And Bochy brought with him some well-known names: Dave Roberts (who will always be our hero for his steal against the Yankees in the Red Sox-Yankees playoff game) and Ryan Klesko. Neither of them will be the threats they were at their prime, but Roberts was a pesky pain to the Giants when he was with San Diego. It's good -- assuming he can stay healthy -- to have him on our side. Klesko is more a question mark. He hasn't hit great recently, but maybe the change in scene from San Diego's hitter unfriendly park will help.
We're also glad to see nuts-and-bolts guy infielder Rich Aurelia back. He bounced all over the place the past 3 years, going from Seattle and San Diego (2004) to Cincinnati (2005-06) after leaving the Giants. He's been a solid guy and an anchor in the infield.
Welcome back, too, to Russ Ortiz. Here's hoping he really has found his pitching stroke again. He was miserable in Arizona.
There are a couple of names on the roster that we question severely. One is Pedro Feliz, who we think needs to be shipped off somewhere. The Giants have been way too patient with his streaky hitting streaks. Enough is enough. And what the hell is Damian Moss doing on any roster? He was horrible the first time around for the Giants. What's he doing back here?
There are several upcoming talents to watch on the G's. Kevin Frandsen is getting a good look for the future. We'll never forget Travis Ishikawa's Giants' debut over a year ago and he'll be another one to keep an eye on.
Going into spring training, we're not expecting the Giants to roll over the division (or anyone else in the division to roll over the Giants). But they've got a solid foundation to build on.
Let's hope Bochy can put the pieces together.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
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