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Bonds Signs, Team Set to Start The Spring

Even though the commissioners' office is making the Giants "re-word" the deal Barry Bonds signed, and he still isn't officially on the 40 man roster, it looks like it is all but official. Bonds alread passed the teams' physical and said he will be present for the first spring training full squad workout which takes place on February 18th. This is good news for the team because now when pitchers and catchers report in 2 weeks, at least they won't be distracted by the media regarding Bonds status on the team. Now, there is no doubt that when players start showing up in Scottsdale, they will still be questioned about Bonds in some way or other, but at least he'll be around as well to shoulder some of the load. With Bonds under contract, it looks like the Giants are set to kick off the spring at full strength. The interesting thing I read this week, was the fact that Barry Bonds is 100% sure he will be playing baseball in 2008. If this is the case, there is no way he'd be back with the Giants. The Giants' won't want to go through this mess again, plus if Bonds plays in '08, it will most likely have to be exclusively as a DH. I think Bonds' could just be saying that to take some of the media pressure off the home run race this year. It would put the question as to whether Bonds will or won't break the record to rest. If Bonds plays in 2008, he will undoubtedly surpass 756 home runs at some point. The media wouldn't even need to make it a question. So yes, in a way Bonds commitment to play in '08 both posses a new question/distraction, but it will also eliminate one.

2007 is going to be a very interesting season as far as the Giants are concerned, I won't be surprised to see them finish in the bottom half of the division, but it also wouldn't surprise me if they win it. The NL West, once again, lacks a dominating team. The Arizona Diamondbacks will be better than they where a year ago with the addition of Randy Johnson and further development of some of their young hitters and they should be right there with the Giants, Dodgers and Padres. Outside of Zito, I wasn't overly hyped about any of the Giants free agent signees, but I still think they are better than they where a year ago. They have more speed on the team, and they are more versatile. There young pithcing should also become the strength of this team for years. The 2 big questions I have entering spring training are: 1. Who will be pitching the late innings in the Giants bullpen? 2. Who will bat 3rd? I am also looking forward to seeing Tim Lincecum. He has been as hyped as any Giant farmhand in the last 10 years, and this should be the year we at least get a glimpse of the potential ace or dominant closer. If Lincecum can come up in the second half and contribute, especially in the bullpen, the Giants will be better because of it. I have a feeling they are going to need a shot in the arm (or 4-5) for that bullpen come July.

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Anonymous said…
I'd like to see Lowry healthy for the full year.
10:25 PM
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