(no subject)
Can't wait for the new season...
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR:
-Likely to be Bonds' last year: Amongst all the controversy, I still respect and admire him. His contributions to both the league and the Giants will never be forgotten. Bonds rekindled my utmost respect recently when he told the media, he would not sellout to be a DH in the league because his heart and soul lies with the Giants. Though he added he may explore this option, I cannot see #25 leaving the Bay. On opening day last year, he promised to the fans that he "will be back" and that he did. Though his return came in a losing season, the fact that he kept his promise when he could have easily sat out all of 2005, in my eyes, shows just what kind of man he is. Love him or hate him, without Bonds, the league will never be the same.
-Historic home run chase: Although tainted by last year's steroid controversy, the record Bonds is chasing will nonetheless keep me counting down with every long ball. While everyone expected Bonds to falter after being "off the roids," last year, I never doubted him as he quickly proved the world wrong when he homered in just his second day back after missing over 100 consecutive games. Being that it may be Bonds' last year, it will be exciting to watch how the 7-time MVP will leave his legacy.
-New additions: Matt Morris, Mark Sweeny, Steve Kline, Steve Finley, and a lukewarm welcome back to Tim Worrel. Though not exactly the A-list of free agents this year, as a fan, you like to see that your GM is active in trying to improve the team. With the addition of Morris and return of Worrel, the Giants may just have filled the missing pieces they needed to establish a consistent staff.
-Alou to finally compliment Bonds: After Bonds missing nearly all of last season, Moises will finally be allowed to take upon that role of Barry's compliment. In past years, Jeff Kent punished pitchers for walking Bonds, producing largely for the team with consecutive 100+ RBI seasons. Since his departure, the Giants have yet to find a player to fill this void. With Bonds and Alou healthy this year, it will be interesting to see if Moises can step up and become the player the Giants need him to be.
-A bland 2005: As a long time fan of the Giants, last year was possibly the worst in the last 5-7 years. At several points throughout the previous season, I was utterly disinterested in the team's run. It was lose, lose, lose and more losing, healed mildy by a late season spark. Ticket sales reflected the Giants' subpar season, the lowest since the park opened. Management knows they need to reignite their fans' support and doing so would only be acheived by doing one simple thing -- winning.
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR:
-Likely to be Bonds' last year: Amongst all the controversy, I still respect and admire him. His contributions to both the league and the Giants will never be forgotten. Bonds rekindled my utmost respect recently when he told the media, he would not sellout to be a DH in the league because his heart and soul lies with the Giants. Though he added he may explore this option, I cannot see #25 leaving the Bay. On opening day last year, he promised to the fans that he "will be back" and that he did. Though his return came in a losing season, the fact that he kept his promise when he could have easily sat out all of 2005, in my eyes, shows just what kind of man he is. Love him or hate him, without Bonds, the league will never be the same.
-Historic home run chase: Although tainted by last year's steroid controversy, the record Bonds is chasing will nonetheless keep me counting down with every long ball. While everyone expected Bonds to falter after being "off the roids," last year, I never doubted him as he quickly proved the world wrong when he homered in just his second day back after missing over 100 consecutive games. Being that it may be Bonds' last year, it will be exciting to watch how the 7-time MVP will leave his legacy.
-New additions: Matt Morris, Mark Sweeny, Steve Kline, Steve Finley, and a lukewarm welcome back to Tim Worrel. Though not exactly the A-list of free agents this year, as a fan, you like to see that your GM is active in trying to improve the team. With the addition of Morris and return of Worrel, the Giants may just have filled the missing pieces they needed to establish a consistent staff.
-Alou to finally compliment Bonds: After Bonds missing nearly all of last season, Moises will finally be allowed to take upon that role of Barry's compliment. In past years, Jeff Kent punished pitchers for walking Bonds, producing largely for the team with consecutive 100+ RBI seasons. Since his departure, the Giants have yet to find a player to fill this void. With Bonds and Alou healthy this year, it will be interesting to see if Moises can step up and become the player the Giants need him to be.
-A bland 2005: As a long time fan of the Giants, last year was possibly the worst in the last 5-7 years. At several points throughout the previous season, I was utterly disinterested in the team's run. It was lose, lose, lose and more losing, healed mildy by a late season spark. Ticket sales reflected the Giants' subpar season, the lowest since the park opened. Management knows they need to reignite their fans' support and doing so would only be acheived by doing one simple thing -- winning.