In another sharp move, Brian Sabean is bringing Andres Torres back to San Francisco for next year. Terms have yet to be disclosed but I would expect that it didn't cost much to sign the 2010 star, after two sub-par seasons split between the Giants and Mets. At this point, his role is certainly to be determined. If the Giants don't sign anybody else, there are still a number of solid outfielders on the market, then I would assume that Torres would get a shot to compete with Gregor Blanco for the starting job in left field. However, I fully expect Torres to serve an important role as a 4th outfielder that backs up the starters.
Giant fans are kind of split on Gregor Blanco as the every day player in left but I am all for it. He is young enough to develop more as a hitter, has really good speed, steals bases and plays outstanding in the field. If we are patient enough with him, and he gets the opportunity, I believe that Blanco could develop into a very similar player to Angel Pagan. He will probably never be a superstar but not everyone has to be. In the playoffs he had great at bats and played tremendous defense, while he may not have had a lot of huge hits, he was a very big part of the championship.
I am excited by the fact that the Giants now have three very similar players in Pagan, Torres and Blanco. Depth is a very important part of a championship team and a big part of depth is interchangeable parts. All three have been quite streaky hitters throughout their careers and it is nice to have a similar player to turn to if Pagan or Blanco hit a pro-longed slump. It keeps consistency in the lineup, even with different names. While other GMs are making big splashes and grabbing headlines, Sabean continues to put the pieces together to deliver another strong season of Giants baseball.
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