Here is a fun stat: The 2010 Giants stole exactly 55 bases last season. 55 is tied for the lowest in all of the league with the Chicago Cubs. Here's another one: The 2010 Giants committed 158 double plays, one below the league leading Minnesota Twins. While not all double plays are the typical 6-4-3, its clear that most of them are. While this shouldn't alarm those who witnessed most of the games, it gives more conclusive evidence on how solid and extraordinary the pitching staff was and how slow (meaning speed) the lineup was. It's no surprise that the Giants need a little hitch in their step. I personally feel that adding some speed will increase the chances for a repeat, because we all know, one championship isn't enough.
Obviously speed isn't the only thing for another championship, so I've broken down the off season into 3 subconscious to conscious ideas: (Insert "Inception" jokes here)
-The Dream. One name appears in this dream. Carl Crawford. Before we dive into this dream, consider this:
1. Andres Torres
2. Carl Crawford
3. Aubrey Huff
4. Buster Posey
5. Cody Ross
6. Mark DeRosa
7. Freddy Sanchez
8. Juan Uribe
9. Tim Lincecum
Sexy right? Not only does Crawford compliment Torres in the outfield, he helps set the table for Huff and Posey. Contributing with great contact hitting plus some power, Crawford is a great example of a full package with his speed. In 2010, Crawford led the Tampa Bay Rays with 47 stolen bases, a .307 batting average and had never hit into a double play the entire season. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, this is still just a dream. The Giants most likely will not sign Crawford as he will demand a huge salary. With the new signing to Aubrey Huff, raises to players, and depending if the Giants re sign Juan Uribe, the Giants salary seems to be close to capped. But while this is a dream, lets throw Cliff Lee and Jayson Werth into the roster. That's expensive food for thought.
-The Reality. Aubrey Huff is the reality. Juan Uribe is the reality. The top 2 RBI leaders last season, just so happen to be the free agents. While Huff is locked up for 2 more years, Uribe has just been offered arbitration. Thus, a short stop seems to be the pressing need this season. While no names have been thrown around yet, it feels as though Brian Sabean is looking to bring Uribe back. On a promising side note, Mark DeRosa will be back, and Buster Posey will have a full year if healthy. It might not be the most exciting thing not to sign a well known player, but with a roster that brought San Francisco it's first championship, why not bring the same roster back.
-The Dream within The Reality. Brandon Belt, Charlie Culberson, Conor Gilaspie. These 3 players, are top San Francisco prospects who played for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. Belt standing at the top, hitting .352 with 23 HR and 112 RBI in the 2010 season. Belt has the whole bay area in anticipation as to when he will play with the Giants. The controversy is when to call these players up. These names, as well as others, will become huge staples in the organization, with their appearances coming straight around the corner.
Addressing the problems with speed should be the utmost priority followed by filling in the gaps. Base runners should be a threat to steal, take the extra base on the single, or even tag on a fly ball. Another key to a repeat should be staying healthy. It was a huge part of last season that most of the roster stayed healthy and contributed. One last factor and I believe to be the most important, is the clubhouse chemistry. If the players can keep the looseness and momentum flowing, it should lead to more success. While this breakdown feels like a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page, fans can only hope that next season's dreams become a reality.
