By: Brian Sanchez
April 4, 2012
Opening day is just around the corner, and today the Giants announced their opening day roster. It is a bit shocking, but not because of the decisions made. It is more because of what the Giants didn't do. The Giants did not necessarily start a youth movement, but they did select youth over experience at some key back up spots. Here are my thoughts:
- It is finally Brandon Belt time (left). Bochy said that Huff is this teams Left Fielder. End of discussion. Belt is finally the Giants First Basemen and it will stay that way. Pill is Belt's back up, not Huff, Huff is a LF now.
- Nate Schierholtz gets shoved to being the 5th outfielder now because of Huff shifting out there. He was already on the verge of losing his job to Gregor Blanco, so Nate will start the season as the left handed bat off the bench with Pill being the right handed hitter off the bench.
- Hector Sanchez (right) will be Buster Posey's back up at Catcher. Most people thought it would come down to the automatic outs of Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart battling for the back up role even though Hector was tearing the cover off of the ball in spring. This was a big youth move for the Giants and it can give fans hope that they are shifting towards trusting their prospects. (especially the ones who can hit)
- Chris Stewart has been traded to the New York Yankees for relief pitcher George Kontos. Not much to say here other than we will never have to watch another Chris Stewart at bat! WooHoo!
- In a not very surprising move the Giants purchased the contract of Gregor Blanco (left). He's impressed this spring with his ability to get on base and steal bags while he is there. Angel Pagan has struggled in spring training, and should his struggles extend long in to the regular season Blanco will be there ready to take his job.
- As mentioned before, Brett Pill (right) made the team. He will be the right handed thunder off the bench and platoon at first with Belt. The reports have said his first start will come in the Rockies series, most likely against old man Moyer.
- Dan Otero made the team out of camp. The young kid had a stand out spring, and this was another move that showed the Giants will trust their own players; especially if they do well in camp. Otero will likely be sent back to the minors when Ryan Vogelsong comes off of the DL.
- Both Ryan Theriot and Emmanuel Burriss are on the roster. They will be competing to remain on the team when Freddy Sanchez comes off of the DL. You would have to think whoever is playing worse will be cut as Burriss has no more minor league options left.
- Clay Hensley is another new name in the bullpen. He makes the team mostly because the Giants feel they need 7 relievers and they haven't said why but I think we all know it's because of Zito.
Now Let's take a look at my opening day Line-up. You will not see this one used friday:
LF Gregor Blanco
CF Angel Pagan
RF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
2B Manny Burriss
P Tim Lincecum
Here is the line up I think Bochy will trot out there on Friday:
CF Angel Pagan
RF Melky Cabrera
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
LF Aubrey Huff
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
2B Ryan Theriot
P Tim Lincecum
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