It’s always good to be thankful, but for those who celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s an especially good day to express gratitude.
For baseball fans in the Bay Area, that’s particularly true.
San Francisco Giants fans have a long list of things to be thankful for this year, even though the team’s miracle 2021 campaign didn’t end in a World Series title.
Here are a few of those things.
3. The Career Of Buster Posey
Buster Posey recently announced his retirement from the game of baseball after 12 seasons at the MLB level.
It’s official – #BusterPosey announces his retirement from baseball. #SFGiants #MLB #ResilientSF @nbcbayarea pic.twitter.com/Q3DVfyvJ11
— Anthony Flores (@AnthonyTVSports) November 4, 2021
While some Giants fans are likely still trying to get over the news, it’s important to appreciate everything the former MVP gave to the organization.
He led the Giants to three World Series titles during his stint with the team and gave fans memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition to his MVP award, he earned seven All-Star selections, five Silver Slugger Awards, a Gold Glove Award, batting title, and Rookie of the Year Award.
He batted .302 and maintained an OPS of .831 over his 12 seasons, which is incredibly elite offensive production for a cacher.
Of course, he was also an all-time great defensively.
No one can dispute that claim.
Giants baseball will definitely have a different feel without Posey.
All Giants fans are likely grateful for everything he did for the team.
2. The Future Of Logan Webb
The Giants seemingly have a future superstar on their hands in Logan Webb.
The organization snagged Webb in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft, and in 2021, he proved that San Francisco made a great choice in doing so.
The 25-year-old posted a 3.03 ERA over 27 outings (26 starts) this past season.
He also maintained a 135 ERA+, 2.72 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP.
Logan. Webb. pic.twitter.com/R9WBlmJ3ea
— MLB (@MLB) October 15, 2021
The righty fanned 158 batters in 148.1 innings of work, and he walked just 36, giving him an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.39.
He finished the season with a bWAR of 3.7.
The youngster was a massive part of the Giants’ success in 2021, and it looks like that’s going to be the case for many years.
He’s under club control until 2026.
1. The Giants’ Free-Agent Signings
The Giants entered the offseason facing a daunting task.
The team’s rotation was elite in 2021, but once free agency began, only one of San Francisco’s starters was guaranteed to return to the club in 2022.
It was Webb.
The Giants were set to lose 80 percent of their rotation to free agency.
And while Webb is clearly an exciting talent, it would obviously be impossible for him to carry the rotation by himself.
Fortunately, he won’t have to.
The Giants have had a fantastic offseason so far, re-signing two key rotation pieces from 2021.
Those guys are Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Wood.
Already, San Francisco’s projected 2022 rotation features three great arms in Webb, DeSclafani, and Wood.
The #Giants aren't wasting anytime in setting up their starting rotation
— Arby (@ABeltran1993) November 22, 2021
The club is reportedly also in the mix for Marcus Stroman, which would obviously be a blockbuster addition.
The bottom line is that the Giants have taken a brutal-looking rotation situation and turned it into a really good outcome so far.
They still have work to do, but things are looking good.
NEXT: Giants Reportedly A Possible Landing Spot For Marcus Stroman
