Congratulations to the San Francisco Giant fans who proved that even with a horrible World Series hangover they could party giving Barry Zito an unforgettable thank you and the other players a tremendous send off for the fall and winter. It is really truly amazing the fan base the Giants have developed in recent years with with a very efficient marketing department and K & K on television continually showing fans having fun at the the ball park.
It is hard to determine one major thing that went wrong with the Giants plans this year since there were many but I would consider the collapse of starting pitching as one of the main reasons which led to an over worked bull pen and eventually to the collapse of the relief staff.
The following are my thoughts on what I think the Giants will do or should do. I have not read about a Giant cap for next year which will determine how much they can do this this off season..
Pitching: The starters will be anchored by Cain and Bumgarner. Gaudin and Petit have earned a shot in spring training for their work this year. The Giants do not want to sign Vogelsong for 6.5 million. If they can negotiate a new contract he will be back with a chance to earn the number 5 spot in the order. The Giants will make every effort to acquire a number 3 starter. If money was not an issue I would say resign Lincecum but it is a big issue. I just don't believe 'Timmy' is worth some 16 million. You can sign a couple very good major league players who could help the team with that type of money. The Giants have signed too many players on emotion in recent years and have paid the price.
Relief Pitching: Who is left? Romo and then who? Casilla and Affeldt will probably be back and the rookie Hembree pitched well in September to warrant a good look next spring. The Giants will lose Lopez to a team like the Dodgers or the Rangers who either need pitching or have money. Some of the remaining staff I am sure will be asked to spring training with a chance to make the team. I really don't know if the staff was lousy or just over worked so some of them should be given an opportunity in the spring.
Catcher: Giant fans I am sure were at least mildly shocked at Posey's end of the season slump. This should be warning next year to give him some breaks from catching every day. Sanchez finished strong and lets hope he learned his lesson and will report next February in shape and ready to play.
1st base: The Giants know they need another batter that hits with some authority in the lineup every day. They have surveyed the world and discovered that there are a few first basemen that might be available so Belt has already been approached about playing left field next year. Belt has finally emerged a very good consistent hitter which means he should hit in.300 range with 20 or so home runs.
2nd base: The Orange and Black have many problems and do not want to add 2nd base to the list. Scutaro is under contract for the next two years and at the age 38 will be the regular 2nd baseman although he has limited range and had a very poor year in the field. He led the team in hitting this year playing 127 with .297 average and 31 rbi's. Last year in 61 games with the Giants he hit .362 with 44 rbi's. The Giants really like Abreu's bat and he will get plenty of chances to play.
Third base: I believe Pablo Sandoval will be back next year although there are a number of 'experts' that think differently. Pablo got plenty of press for losing some 25 lbs in recent weeks although he looked like he gained most of it back. I believe Sabean will put out some feelers regarding Pablo and see what type of offers he receives.
Shortstop: Crawford had the same exact batting average .248 this year as he did last although he hit nine home runs to just four last year. He really tailed off the last part of the season which might have been due to an injury. At the start of the season we heard about Crawford being all star material but he tied other regular shortstops for the most errors with 15. Adrianza who was brought up in September has definitely impressed and if he does well in Fresno next year Crawford should not rest on his laurels.
Utility: Noonan made some nice plays in September and got a couple hits which will get him to Scottsdale next February. If Arias is signed he should start at short at least against left handed pitchers and could be another option at 2nd base and has proven to be a very good relief for Sandoval at third.
Outfield: Pence got all the money and he will be in right field for the next few years and Pagan will be leading off in center field since the Giants win more often then when he doesn't play. If Belt isn't at first base he will be the left fielder. If not, the Giant fans expect a new face in left next year. Perez certainly earned a shot playing relatively few games for the Giant but still led the outfielders with eight assists proving that he has a great arm. Will there be room for Blanco and Pill? That's what spring training is all about.
This will be the last sports related blog for the next few months.
Homer Sweeney
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