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.
Coming into spring training as the World Series champions, the Giants not only have a target on their back, but huge expectations, that most likely were non-existent last season.
There are numerous question marks, as for most teams, but the optimism is high. This is the time of year we all look forward to, and what got me thinking last year—the Giants finished spring training with the best record in the Cactus League, and went on to win the World Series.
Call it a coincidence, but it's what got me thinking it was possible.
Taking it slow at first, seems to be the normal trademark of spring training, but it wasn't the case for the Giants. Whether the anticipation of the new season, or continued energy from last season, many Giants players took off in Week 1.
What other example to give, then the man they call "The Freak", Tim Lincecum.
Experiencing a breakdown in August last season, it seems as Lincecum has no plans of letting it happen again. On Monday, Lincecum started his long-toss regimen, which he had abandoned during the season in 2010.
By Monday afternoon, Lincecum seemed to be "popping the glove", and reassured that a "slow start" doesn't exist to a freak.
Going against what he said Monday, Bruce Bochy explained that he was going to hold off on announcing the rotation, but said Lincecum is "on schedule to go the first game."
After an offseason full of intricate workouts, Pablo Sandoval re-assured everyone when he showed up Monday. From on-hand reports, Sandoval was almost unrecognizable.
In all seriousness, Pablo assured everyone that there was a reason for optimism by weighing in at 240 lbs., a significant drop from his 278 lb weigh-in at the end of the season. Glad to see the "panda" look is dwindling, because it almost cost Sandoval his every day job.
Pitchers inevitably look impressive when they throw off bullpen mounds. After all, hitters aren't present to demonstrate how good a pitcher's stuff really is. But occasionally, a pitcher looks so sharp that he stands out from the rest.
For the Giants, right-hander Ramon Ramirez is the leader of the pack. "He's game-ready right now," Bruce Bochy said. "I think the rest has done him well. It looks like he's ahead of everybody."
Bochy also reiterated on Thursday that Buster Posey would not be given time at first base as a "day off", and a 130 game season seemed to be a realistic target for Posey. “Pretty good area…but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him do more,” Bochy said.
Mark DeRosa, health wise, seemed to be the highlight of the week, as he felt that he could give the team a reason to have him in the lineup on a daily basis, after an off-season of recovery and batting practice.
DeRosa, is coming off a season-ending wrist injury, after the Giants signed him to a two-year deal last offseason.
Saturday marked the beginning of live batting practice which kicked off with Tim Lincecum on the mound, and voluntarily, Pat Burrell in the box.
Along with Aubrey Huff, you could say Burrell is somewhat peculiar, and when opting out of the norm, which is to watch a few pitches, no one was surprised. Burrell started off batting practice with a line drive to right field off of Lincecum.
Pablo Sandoval followed, by hitting two home runs (not off of Lincecum) during his batting practice, and ended his week on a positive note.
Other Week 1 News & Notes
- Minor league deal with veteran Elmer Dessens has fallen through according to Henry Schulman. No information as to why has been released, but sources believe it could be the physical results.
- Giants have signed 34-year-old Brian Lawrence to a minor league deal. Lawrence spent 2010 with the Marlins' Triple-A team, posting a 4.42 ERA over 25 games.
- Eli Whiteside felt pain his elbow earlier in the week, and it was examined Friday and feels that with rest and a few anti-inflamatory shots, everything should be alright.
- Brian Wilson sat out for most of the week, due to minor back problems. According to Bochy, Wilson has had these types of issues before, and "never lasted more than 1-2 days".
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