Playoff Preview, Giants vs. Braves

This next post in our Playoff Preview series comes courtesy of Yoni Michael.  Yonaaaaay lives in the Bay Area and is a knowledgeable fanboy.  The Giants' playoff run has really invigorated the city, Yoni included, and this is his take on that and an assessment of the Giants.

The Bay Area erupted in unison yesterday to the tune of 44,000 fans at AT&T Park and several hundred thousands more in front of their TV's as Brian Wilson blew a 97 mph fastball past the swinging Will Venable.  The starving fans had finally been given a taste of what they longed for since the days of Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent.  The cameras focused in on an image that is representative of what we all hope will define the new generation of Giants stars, as Buster Posey jumped into the open arms of Brian Wilson and his black beard. 

Buster and Brian (bearded)

The beauty of this year's Giants team is that every single night there is a new hero that steps in and makes a big play.  Whether it’s Juan Uribe, Andres Torres, or Pat Burrell, there is always someone stepping up and performing when the team really needs it.  Today was especially significant as Freddy Sanchez and Aubrey Huff had two huge hits that knocking in runs.  These two players had perhaps the greatest desires to get into the playoffs as they had been playing for losing teams for their entire careers, even booking their vacations to Hawaii in October before the season started.  For them to step up on a day when the team needed them most tells us a lot about them.

And then of course is the phenom rookie, Buster Posey, stepping up to the plate and crushing an 8th inning homerun to provide our closer with more breathing room in the 9th.  Words can't describe the impact that this kid has had on the team.  Simply put, big time players make big time plays.  He does not shy away from the spotlight and lives for these big moments.  Since he was called up on May 30th he's batted .304 with 67 RBI's and 18 homeruns.  Additionally, he's been working with a pitching staff which has had record-breaking September ERA of 1.67, when the team needed it most.  Not once have I seen a pitcher shake him off and did I mention he's just a rookie?  Jason HayWHO? Jason Hayward had 7 hits in his last 48 at bats which equates to a .147 batting average, in September, as his team is fighting for a spot.  Meanwhile Buster Posey is hitting homeruns in a division clinching game.

The Giants are hungry, motivated, and most of all, confident.  With Brian Sabean's great moves throughout the season he has been able to elevate our lineup to above average, while maintaining one of the most feared pitching staffs in the league.  With key acquisitions such as Pat Burrell, Jose Guillen, Cody Ross, and Mike Fontenot, the Giants now have some scary pop and major depth:

Andres Torres has had a phenomenal year and has been one of the best leadoff men in the league. 

Freddy Sanchez has been great defensively and also served his fulfilled his role as a contact hitter.

Aubrey Huff has had a great year and is always a homerun threat. Buster Posey, see above. Juan Uribe has had a career year and also brings some serious World Series experience with his time on the White Sox in 2005. Pat Burrell has hit 18 homeruns since joining the Giants and is a very patient hitter. Jose Guillen has some serious pop and can always run into one. Pablo Sandoval has recently regained his swing and has been coming up with huge hits down the stretch in October.

Our pitching staff should also be feared in a series, especially a short one.  Tim Lincecum has regained his Cy Young form while Matt Cain has been consistently great this entire year.  Jonathan Sanchez has finally become the pitcher that we all knew he could be with batters mustering up a paltry .207 average against him .  He has put all his stuff together and has become extremely unhittable, literally.  Finally, Madison Bumgarner, who has also had a great rookie year, has the toughness and mindset of a veteran.

Our bullpen features the best closer in the game in Brian Wilson and one of the best set up men in Sergio Romo.  Our bullpen had an ERA of .67 in the month of September (no joke) and they show no signs of slowing down.

Braves beware; we're hungry and comin’ for you.  FEAR THE BEARD!