Year End Wrap Up (or Why The Giants Will Win It All In 2007)

Well, from a Giants fan's perspective, the rather boring 2006 season is over. It was a season in which no major records were broken or challenged, when a nearly .500 team won the World Series, when the playoffs were mediocre at best, when the All Star Game was completely forgetable, and when no major scandals or heroics marked the season whatsoever. If the highlight of the season was Albert Pujols assault on the Home Run record that was derailed in late April/early May, then the lowlight of the season was the not quite startling revelation of a Diamondback's pitcher who named names and then disappeared into obscurity. The Giants had their ups and downs, but mostly they just plodded from April to September as if it was a 9 to 5 job. Boring.

However, a sea change is definitely taking place as happens in baseball every decade or so. The stars of the previous period are giving/have given way to a new crowd. Brandon Webb, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Howard are replacing Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey Jr, and Barry Bonds as crowd pleasers. And we are all keeping our eyes open to see what new talent will emerge and what new team will become dominant.

Which is why in 2007, the Giants will win it all. Getting out from under the bloated contract of Barry Bonds, the Giants will acquire some new young talent and will propel themselves to the top once more - only this time, they will win it all. Matt Cain will pitch the first Giants No-No since the 70's. Bonds, in a back up roll that he will not relish, will break Aaron's record and then retire, and young players will take this team to the promised land.

Of course, some of you may have different opinions. Don't worry, for I will be magnanamous in victory and not gloat too much when the Giants are having their victory parade down Market Street. Now, let's get those hot stove rumors started. 06 is done. 07 has begun!