01-13-2018, 07:39 AM
Though Pence wasn't around for the 2010 WS championship, it's hard to imagine a the Giants winning in 2012 and 2014 without him. Not only was he a good player who made big plays, he was an emotional spark for the team. When you factor in his on / off-field quirkiness and not exact adherence to baseball fundamentals, Hunter Pence was one of the most entertaining players you could ever hope to root for as a fan.
Watching your favorite player get old and deteriorate is like seeing your once spry dog no longer being able to pull off the athletic feats it once did. So just like a as a dog owner you need to ensure your best friend isn't asked to do as much physically anymore, as a GM of a sports team you need to manage how you use aging players.
Pence is not a full-time starter anymore. He's a a part-time starter, probably going into a pinch hitting role, who will be subject to defensive replacement in the games he does start.
On the greater subject of the outfield, it's an unmitigated disaster. The Giants have nothing tradable in the farm system to get anyone of consequence. Even if they could get McCutcheon, he's no long-term answer, and has his own injury history. They can't afford a big time free agent, and the current players are extremely limited and unproven. I have absolutely no clue what they are going to do for a CF. At least they can probably get by with corner outfielders comprised of Slater, Parker, Pence, and maybe Williamson, but how does your fan base take you seriously if you throw Gorkys Hernandez out as your opening day starter in CF? Steven Duggar isn't spectacular, but maybe he's the option.
Watching your favorite player get old and deteriorate is like seeing your once spry dog no longer being able to pull off the athletic feats it once did. So just like a as a dog owner you need to ensure your best friend isn't asked to do as much physically anymore, as a GM of a sports team you need to manage how you use aging players.
Pence is not a full-time starter anymore. He's a a part-time starter, probably going into a pinch hitting role, who will be subject to defensive replacement in the games he does start.
On the greater subject of the outfield, it's an unmitigated disaster. The Giants have nothing tradable in the farm system to get anyone of consequence. Even if they could get McCutcheon, he's no long-term answer, and has his own injury history. They can't afford a big time free agent, and the current players are extremely limited and unproven. I have absolutely no clue what they are going to do for a CF. At least they can probably get by with corner outfielders comprised of Slater, Parker, Pence, and maybe Williamson, but how does your fan base take you seriously if you throw Gorkys Hernandez out as your opening day starter in CF? Steven Duggar isn't spectacular, but maybe he's the option.