Derek Law
Ah, it's that time of year again. The long Winter is starting to thaw (for most of us anyway), it's just about Spring, which means it's time for Spring Training. That most blessed and cursed of times for any baseball fan. It's the one time of year when baseball is TV and I'm not necessarily watching every minute of it (perish the thought!). I like to think of not watching as much baseball when it's on TV as fasting in preparation for a big meal, in order to enjoy what's to come. And there is so much to enjoy.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to like about Spring Training, just as there is an equal amount to hate about it. I like seeing minor leaguers who have worked their asses off get a chance to play in a Spring Training game and get to know "the next generation" (as it were) of young players. But let's not kid ourselves here: Spring Training doesn't mean anything. Whatsoever. Manager Bobby Cox said it best: "There are always a lot of Hank Aarons in Spring Training." I try to heed those wise words when I get too excited about certain players. For the most part, the only people to whom Spring Training really matters are the minor leaguers looking for a spot on their respective major league team. But sometimes I think that teams are simply bating certain players by letting them play in Spring Training games. Who am I referring to at the moment? Oh, I don't know, maybe former Giants outfielder Jeff Francoeur. Why would the Indians let him play in any of the games right now? He's competing for a spot in an already crowded outfield, with Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn, David Murphy and Ryan Rayburn already vying for the job. It just seems cruel. The Giants are also guilty of doing this, putting Roger Kieschnick in the outfield right now, like he will actually make the team come April. If he is the future of the Giants, count me out. Then again, look at the Dodgers; they too have a crowded outfield and it already looks like Carl Crawford is fielding his way out of a starting spot. But I digress.
Edwin Escobar
On the plus side, for the Giants at least, is the surplus of top-notch minor league pitching. For a team whose farm system has suffered in the past few years, they seem to have no problem churning out quality pitchers right now - Kyle Krick (love that name!), Edwin Escobar, Clayton Blackburn, Derek Law, Heath Hembree, Jake Dunning. It's a pitching bonanza! And considering the potential state of the Giants pitching rotation in the years to come, it's happening not a moment too soon. I'm never concerned about having too many pitchers, what with the Giants injuries last season. Bullpen depth, especially, is crucial for the Giants this season. It's too early to tell what the Opening Day lineup will look like for the Giants, but I'm definitely curious to find out. March may feel like as long a month as February did. Sigh.
