San Francisco Giants

Every team wants one, he's more important than a power hitter, a shut down closer, or a super utility man.  Every team wants a young No.1 starter at or under the age of 26; a young superstar pitcher you can build your team around, one less spot in the rotation that you have to worry about.

You hold on to these pitchers like your life depends on it, and you overprotect that arm like you overprotect your child.  Because your entire franchise is on that throwing arm, and everybody knows that throwing arms are made out of glass.

Panda is coming off a year in which he took a considerable step backwards. Through his first two seasons in the big leagues he had consistently performed offensively:

That San Francisco Giants rotation! That damn San Francisco Giants rotation!!  

With all the talk surrounding King Albert this spring training and Jose Bautista signing a five-year extension, Bleacher Report has decided to look at the next group of MLB stars that are looking at potential long-term contract extensions.

With the economy not bouncing back like "experts" have said, teams are being more careful at handing out lucrative, long-term deals with their players and opting instead to spend money on player development. However, there are those players who are essential to their team's success and they will be paid accordingly. 

The San Francisco Giants had a magical ride in the 2010 season to win their first World Series title since moving to San Francisco in 1958.

Team owner Bill Neukom looked splendid in his bow ties. General manager Brian Sabean made some excellent moves throughout the season to bolster the team. Manager Bruce Bochy guided the team down the stretch flawlessly, and the players performed.

2010 was indeed a magical season and will live on in my memory forever. As a lifelong Giant fan, I have now been able to cross this item off my sports fan bucket list.

Buster Posey burst onto the scene in 2010, helping lead the San Francisco Giants to an unexpected playoff run and all the way to the World Series title.

We all know that the 2008 first-round selection (fifth overall) has tremendous upside potential, but can we really enter 2011 expecting him to be able to replicate this type of success:

San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval hit a home run Saturday on his first swing in his first batting practice at this year’s spring training.

After taking the league by storm in 2009 with a .330 average, 25 home runs and 90 RBI, Sandoval’s 2010 campaign was one of the year’s biggest disappointments across the majors. All season long, Sandoval battled with weight issues and off-the-field problems that carried over to the field.

This week marked the week highly anticipated by fans across the country, as the unofficial starting point to spring training, and the 2011 baseball season—pitchers, catchers, and then the rest of the squad, all report.

Looking beyond the symbolism, is the literal meaning—it's practically a reunion. Players, coaches, and staff all gather officially for the first time since the end of the season, and for new players, a chance to meet some of your team, most likely for the first time.

As pitchers and catchers report to their respective Spring Training sites, optimism reigns supreme, from Florida to Arizona.

Every team believes, with just a few breaks, it can make a run at the playoffs. The harsh realities of June and July, and the dog days of August are inconsequential this time of year.

Of course, with hopeless optimism comes the inevitable whisper of doubt. Each National League organization, from the pitching rich Phillies, to the perennially hopeless Pirates, has its share of question marks. 

Led by manager Bruce Bochy, the Giants will enter the 2011 season as the defending World Series champions for the first time since their days in New York, and they hope to find a way to repeat.

With an exception of the acquisition of shortstop Miguel Tejada and the departures of shortstop Edgar Renteria and second baseman Juan Uribe, the 2011 Giants will have a very similar feel to the squad that won it all in 2010.