In an off-season headlined by the huge free agent contracts of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixiera, the Giants have looked to improve by adding players without breaking the bank or depleting the farm system.
Addition Without Subtraction
During the Barry Bonds era in the city by the bay, it was not uncommon for the Giants to go out and spend a great deal of money on established free agents to complement Bonds. In doing so, the Giants were playing for “now,” while hindering their future. The Giants made many signings that required them to forfeit draft picks as compensation, which resulted in a fairly depleted farm system. Additionally, several trades swapping up and coming youngsters for veteran players have yielded only marginal success. All of these factors have contributed to Giants missing the playoffs five straights seasons.
So far this off-season, the Giants have added veteran free agents Edgar Renteria, Bob Howry, Jeremy Affeldt, and most recently Randy Johnson. What makes these signings so huge for the Giants is the fact that they add depth, talent, and veteran presence to the roster without costing the team draft picks or prospects. Each of these acquisitions is certain to have a positive impact on the team, but Johnson could be the key to a successful Giants season.
Big Impact from the Big Unit
The addition of Randy Johnson gives the Giants three former Cy Young Award winners in the starting rotation, something no other team can boast this upcoming season. Johnson’s best days are clearly behind him, but he is still a poised, competitive veteran who can keep his team in the game and eat up innings. Additionally, Johnson can help to mentor the Giants young pitching staff which currently includes Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, and reigning National League Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Johnson’s competitive attitude, poise, and strong work ethic are sure to rub off on the other pitchers around him.
Randy Johnson’s presence also creates an intriguing opportunity for the Giants. Noah Lowry, the Giants left hander who led the team in victories 2005 and 2007, is coming off of several forearm surgeries. Lowry is a solid pitcher and proven winner. If Lowry can prove that he is healthy and can contribute, the Giants may be open to trading Jonathan Sanchez.
With Kevin Pucetas, Tim Alderson, and Madison Bumgarner all waiting in the wings, the Giants could decide that Sanchez is expendable. Sanchez’s 5-1 record and 3.10 ERA in the month of June prove that he can be as dominant as any pitcher in baseball, but his overall record of 9-12 and his 5.01 ERA also show that Sanchez is quite inconsistent. Sanchez’s incredible potential has attracted several possible trade partners in the past, but Giants GM Brian Sabean has been reluctant to part with the young left-hander. The signing of Johnson and the steady rehabilitation of Lowry could make the possibility of trading Sanchez for a corner infielder a very attractive idea.
Spring training is still months away, and Randy Johnson has already made an impact on the 2009 San Francisco Giant season. With a strong rotation, an improved bullpen, and a nice blend of youth and experience, the Giants could be poised to make a run at the National League West.
Carlos Lorenzana - As a full-time student at San Francisco State University, I find writing about my interests to be quite relaxing. So much of the writing I ...
