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By NickMalicious, Section MLB
Though every GM tries to improve the state of their team each off-season, whether by stockpiling young talent, or paying for free-agent studs, few can do enough in one off-season to bring a team from being a non-contender to a team with realistic Championship aspirations. In 2005, the San Francisco Giants finished third in their division winning only 75 games. GM Brian Sabean, has done as good a job as any GM this winter in picking the right pieces to get his team back over the top the NL West. Many exterior activities are working for him: the poor over-all talent in the division, and the return from injury of the greatest player in the last 25 years--Barry Bonds. That withstanding, Sabean has done a terrific job in improving his team for 2006.
The loss of Armando Benitez, to a hamstring pull last season, had repercussions throughout the bull-pen as Tyler Walker, Latroy Hawkins, and Scott Eyre were unable to successfully complete games last season in shared time in the closer's role. Eyre, perhaps the most skilled of the three, left as a free-agent. To replace Eyre, Sabean traded Hawkins for Steve Kline, who has been for the last decade one of the most reliable lefty set-up men in the game. The move was strong on two fronts as he was able to get rid of Hawkins, whose stuff seems to still blind scouts of his terrible make-up and practical usability. After converting just 6 of his 15 save chances in 2005, it remains a mystery why teams still look at him as a potential closer, as the Orioles certainly will. Sabean also reacquired Tim Worrell who was on the Giants 2002 title run. In Arizona, Worrell saw time as a closer and should add more stability and flexibility to this bull pen, which should be a plus rather than a detriment in 2006. Of perhaps even greater importance was the acquisition of Matt Morris, a professional pitcher who unlike A.J. Burnett, has 40 more career wins than losses. Morris's ability has declined in recent years, but past health problems are behind him and he should be a capable number two starter behind ace Jason Schmidt. He is reunited with catcher Matt Matheny who has a reputation for being a pitcher's catcher and should help Morris rebound from his sub-par second half last season. Noah Lowry, a young lefty, finished 2005 strong going 8-3 in his final 11 games, and should continue his excellence in 2006. If Brian Hennessey and Matt Cain, two highly regarded pitching prospects who saw limited time in 2005, and should battle for the final rotation spot, continue to build on their experience and live up to their promise, the Giants should have a solid, if not terrific rotation. With little fan-fare the San Francisco Giants have had a remarkable off-season. Though other teams may have made more headlines with flashy free-agent deals, the Giants, with a few key moves, and the development of their own position players (Lance Neikro, Pedro Feliz), have perhaps improved the most. At the very least they should win their division and perhaps get back to the 90 win standard they are accustomed to. Many other teams have dramatically improved during this offseason, but none will likely see the type of improvement that the Giants should next year. Story writing contestLog in or create an account to vote for this story!
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