GIANTS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GO ALL THE WAY

     The San Francisco Giants have totally transformed their look from the beginning of the season. They went from a  group that was full of question marks mixed with un-proven talent, to what is now looking like a powerhouse American League team. They added more power to the lineup before the trade deadline with Jose Guillen, and the calling up of rookie Buster Posey really added juice. Aubrey Huff has proven all his critics wrong and has had a stellar year. He's been the glue in the 3rd spot that has brought power and consistency to the lineup.

     But the one thing I think has changed the dyamic of this lineup was the signing of left fielder Pat Burrell. Since his call up from the minors on June 4th, he has been on a homerun tear. It's not just the volume of homers (18 in 278 ABs, a 1/15.4 ratio), but it's the spots where he hits them. It seems like most of his 18 homers have been in the later innings and given the Giants the lead. That is the measure of a true veteran professional hitter. When a big moment comes up late in a game, he stays calm, doesn't rush things, and has a game plan.

     He, along with another veteran Juan Uribe, have both lifted this team from the jaws of defeat many times this year. Those huge moments not only win games, but uplift the whole spirit of the players, which carries over from game to game throught the long season. Another important thing it does is teach the younger players how to take professional at bats and win close games. That is what championship teams do. Every team thats going deep in the playoffs has to have very good pitching, and players whom opposing pitcher's fear and who rise to the challenge when it really counts.

     The Giants now have a slew of those kind of professional and feared hitters up and down their lineup. Mix that with the best pitching staff in the game, and we have a championship team on our hands.