San Francisco Times - Monday, January 17th, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO - When Watsuki returned to the Giants as their
general manager, he promised brighter skies. He took over during
a season upon which the Giants were on course for a terrible losing
season. During a meeting during the '09 offseason, he set his
plan. With the phrase, "We're Steinbrenning Now!" the team took off.
After turning the team around and reaching a monster 118 win
record, the Giants appeared to be deadset on another playoff run.
"I tend to think that we were lucky last year," said Watsuki. "Our
luck caught up to us in the playoffs. We've decided to improve the
team further and set our goals at a 120 win season. The Mets have
already contacted us and said they would meet us in the NLCS. I
don't wish to disappoint."
One of the more surprising trades of the offseason for the Giants was
bringing Barry Bonds back to San Francisco. Bonds, 45, is one of the
oldest active players in the game. At the end of the year, Bonds hit his
800th home run.
"Letting Bonds walk was one of my predecessor's biggest failures," said
Watsuki. "He brought veteran leadership and an amazing bat to the
table. We've already made room on the roster. Manny was being
Manny and wouldn't move from left field, but we feel Bonds can
handle first base."
Conor Jackson, their starting first baseman, wasn't pleased. "I was a
top notch first baseman last year and they leave me in the cold!" said
Jackson. "The front office says I'll get my playing time, but I don't
believe it. Bonds means too much to them."
The Giants have been active in the offseason, despite having such a
veteran roster. They signed Corey Koskie, Miguel Cairo, Derrick Turnbow,
and Andy Marte.
"It's good that they're improving the team," says third baseman Garrett Atkins.
"I'm disappointed that they have already got a replacement for me."
When asked about Atkins, the general manager replied, "Marte was a
cheap improvement. We weren't trying to make him available. Atkins
has been one of our favorite players and one of the longest tenured that
we currently have."
Despite having one of the top rotations in the game, Giants fans have
many questions on who is in it. We asked around the streets of San
Francisco on who they thought was in it. "Hey, how about that Garland kid?
He's been filthy." said one while another said, "Gagne's my man!
He puts Ks on the board like mad." It wasn't just those two, however.
People are wondering if Chris Begg, Kerry Wood, Kei Igawa, or even
stars like Joe Saunders will be in the rotation.
"Dice-K, Webb, and Claussen arn't going anywhere. Joe Saunders is most
likely my #4. The question is who is #5? I can't tell you right now," said
the Giants GM.
"All I know is that this is the best team the Giants have had ever. Ever."
said one of the Giants' excited fans. "Go through history, and you'll never find another
Giants team this good."
"This team is just going to get better," says Watsuki.
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