One year after their first World Series title in 56 years, the San Francisco Giants aren’t slowing down.
After shocking the world and blowing through the post season, the Giants are back at it this spring, looking to do one of the hardest things in all of sports: repeat. It’s tough but not impossible for this team built around pitching.
As long as the Giants’ rotation of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and Madison Bumgarner stays healthy, it has they have a legitimate shot to win at least 95 games. Their win total could increase if Barry Zito becomes a decent fifth starter as well.
Pitching is set but other things on the Giants roster are still in question:
How will Pablo Sandoval look? He has been working intensely in Arizona all winter. Can he go back to his 2009 year of hitting .330 and 90 RBI’s, though? If he does, the Giants lineup will be immensely improved and have another bat to match Aubrey Huff’s, Buster Posey’s and Pat Burell’s. The Panda will need to stay disciplined at the plate and the buffet line.
How can Posey get any better, and can Brandon Belt help? It will be hard for Posey to better himself next season, but don’t tell him that. He wants to lead the Giants to another title. Posey wasn’t called up last year until May 29 the Giants are excited at the prospect of getting him for a full season.
Many call Brandon Belt a left-handed Posey, but can the 22-year-old make an impact this year? He could break camp with the team if he impresses manager Bruce Bochy, but it would be a surprise. Expect him to be called up sometime during the season, and have the same impact as Posey did last year.
Who will win the left field job? There are at least seven players who could potentially play in left field this season. The most likely scenario is that Mark DeRosa, and Pat Burell will split time. Also, if Brandon Belt plays first base, then Aubrey Huff will move to left. Who knows if the Giants can repeat, but they should be considered one of the favorites. As Junior Battles said in the film “Coach Carter,” “We’re the champs till we ain’t the champs no more.”
