San Francisco Giants

In past years the San Francisco Giants minor league system was much maligned. However, the system has produced several outstanding players on the current roster such as Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum and Sergio Romo. 

In 2014, with injuries hitting the Giants hard, the minor league system produced once again. Second baseman Joe Panik emerged as a reliable starter and solidified the position.

The San Francisco Giants have won three world championships in five years. In today's era of free agency, that level of success qualifies as a modern-day dynasty.

So, how have the Giants been able to accomplish this, even though, on paper, their talent level has often been regarded as weaker than their opponent in a given series? 

What is it that sets the Giants apart from all the rest?

The San Francisco Giants' biggest offseason addition might turn out to be a guy who was there all along.

No, not Matt Cain, though if the right-hander can return to ace-level status after surgeries on his elbow and ankle it'd go a long way toward solidifying San Francisco's rotation.

San Francisco Giants pitcher and living American myth Madison Bumgarner continued adding to the tall tale that is his life by channeling Paul Bunyan for a photo shoot at spring training Monday.

The San Francisco Giants are basking in the glow of their third world championship in five years. In today's era of free agency and player movement, this is indeed a dynasty.

However, the Giants did not make a major splash in the free-agent market this winter, and one must wonder if general manager Brian Sabean has done enough to keep the Giants in contention in 2015.

While the San Francisco Giants’ system is top-heavy with pitching prospects, many of the organization’s top young arms profile as either back-end-starter types or guys who might not throw enough strikes to even stick in the rotation.

Ryan Vogelsong's performance regressed in his past two years with the San Francisco Giants, but that didn't stop the reigning World Series champions from bringing the veteran starting pitcher back on a one-year deal.

Alex Pavlovic of the San Jose Mercury News reported the deal is official:

The San Francisco Giants have won three world championships in the past five seasons, and the cornerstone of their success has been strong pitching.

Whether it is the starting rotation or the bullpen, general manager Brian Sabean has consistently built a solid pitching staff. Manager Bruce Bochy and pitching coach Dave Righetti know how to get the most out of their pitchers.

Looking ahead to the 2015 season, once again, pitching will be essential to the Giants' success. 

The 2014 Major League Baseball season has been over for two months, but San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner is still reaping the rewards for his postseason heroics. On Tuesday, he was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.     

The San Francisco Giants have won three World Series titles in the past five years. Manager Bruce Bochy guided his team through several peaks and valleys in 2014.

His calm demeanor was a soothing influence when the Giants struggled in the middle of the season. Bochy then pushed all the right buttons, and the Giants produced, enabling them to win it all.