Coming into Spring Training, there are a few position battles that should be interesting. The most interesting battle is probably the 5th starter spot between Madison Bumgarner and Todd Wellemeyer. Bumgarner may or may not be ready, but I definitely would rather see Bumgarner on the mound every fifth day. I mean, the kid is only one of the best pitching prospects in the game.
I have mixed feelings about the Bengie Molina signing. He handles the staff pretty well (even though I think he is a below average defensive catcher), and you can pretty much write him in for 20 HRs and 80 RBI's. However, I had already turned the page on the Molina era and was excited to see Buster Posey get his shot. Like Bumgarner, I'm not sure if Posey is ready, but everybody was excited to see the future. Now the future may have to wait. I've heard the hype, followed them through the minor league system, and even went to a handful of San Jose Giants games last year to check out the future of the Giants, which is now sans Angel Villalona.
Side note: I've met Villalona a few times and every time he seemed like a gentle giant. I now find it kind of funny that I took a picture with a murderer. If I can find that picture, I'll post it up here.
Hopefully Bumgarner earns that 5th starter spot, and Posey ends up in the Bigs sooner rather than later.
People have been asking me what I think about the offseason moves and if I have any predictions for the upcoming season. In regards to the free agent signings, I see them as minor upgrades. They will still struggle offensively this year, but the question is, how much less will struggle? Maybe all they needed was minor upgrades to win the NL West considering the Dodgers didn't do much of anything to improve the team given their owners' current situation. If they scored a few more runs per week last year, maybe that's five more wins putting them at around 93 wins, which would have won the Wild Card by one game. The additions of DeRosa and Huff may be able to give them those few extra runs per week.
I'm going to remain optimistic, but realistic as well. In my opinion, the Giants overachieved last year to win 88 games. I can see them putting up close to the same win total again this year with the additions of DeRosa and Huff.
Regardless, I'm excited for baseball season. Opening Day couldn't get here soon enough. Do I hear a three-peat, 55?
