Wednesday, August 20, 2003

 

He's Baaaaack....

...and for my money, he's your MVP again this year. (Apologies to Mr. Pujols, who would be the runaway MVP in any other league, or even in this one, in most other seasons.) Barry Bonds smashed a splash, and the Giants break their horrific six-game losing streak. I could go on for pages about Bonds' ordeal this year, but frankly, I'm simply speechless at his ability to play, and play so well, considering everything he's going through. Suffice to say, the man has my deepest respect.

Beating the Braves is especially important. The odds are high that these two teams will face enough again in October. Beating the Braves now will give the Giants confidence going into the playoffs. Beating the Braves now, with Durham, Snow, Reuter, and a cast of thousands on the disabled list, tells everyone that the Giants are still one of the National League's elite teams. I'm sure a lot of people looked at the road trip, where the Fresno Grizzlies filled in, as a sign that the Giants had serious problems. But really, it's nothing we didn't already know--lose half your starting lineup, and you won't be very good.

The real question is whether or not the Giants will have everyone back by October. And if they don't, will they still have enough to return to the Fall Classic? The latter question is what this series aganist Atlanta will address.

If anyone had any doubts about the Giants' determination to win it all this year, yesterday's trade for Eric Young should lay those doubts to rest. I'm ecstatic about this trade, if only because it means Neifi Perez, Neifi's horrible swing, Neifi's horribly weak grounders to the right side of the infield, Neifi's utter inability to draw a walk, and Neifi's utter lack of power will be parked in the dugout a lot more.

Let's compare Mr. Young to Mr. Perez, shall we?

Eric Young: .260 AVG, .344 OBP, .421 SLG
Neifi Perez: .254 AVG, .282 OBP, .332 SLG

Just based on those numbers alone, why would you EVER play Neifi if you have a castoff from the Milwaukee Brewers??

Now let's toss out a few other numbers, for other Giants infielders:

Pedro Feliz: .223 AVG, .258 OBP, .457 SLG
Rich Aurilia: .268 AVG, .318 OBP, .399 SLG
Edgardo Alfonzo: .254 AVG, .325 OBP, .360 SLG
J.T. Snow: .272 AVG, .379 OBP, .413 SLG
Andres Gallaraga: .298 AVG, .356 OBP, .505 SLG
Ray Durham: .283 AVG, .369 OBP, .426 SLG

Not only is Eric Young hitting better than Perez, but he's instantly one of the better-hitting infielders the Giants have. And Young's not a great hitter, by any means. The infield has been a weakness on the Giants this year, especially when Durham's been injured. A Brewers castoff is outhitting half the Giants' starting infield, and all but one of their reserves. Sabean is smart to make the trade. October's coming up fast.

GIANTS MAGIC NUMBER: 30

Jefferson 10:37 AM

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