The Name of the Game: Resiliency

This year's Giants roster has been in constant flux. Starting position players Rich Aurilia, JT Snow, Ray Durham, and Benito Santiago have all missed significant time due to injury. The starting rotation has been a revolving door, with guys getting hurt (Jensen, Ainsworth, Reuter, Schmidt) or performing poorly (Foppert, Moss). Yet despite this seeming instability, there is stability in the Giants clubhouse—enough stability in fact, to open up a double digit lead in the National League West pennant race.

The team has had a remarkable knack for filling in the gaps when one person goes down, thus keeping the ship going full steam ahead through rough waters. I can't ever recall a Giants team where so many different faces were called upon in one season, and it's not even over yet. It's been exciting to see these guys succeed, and the Giants wouldn't have had the successful season they've had up to this point without the performances of players like Jim Brower, Jerome Williams, Joe Nathan, Neifi Perez, Andres Galarraga, Pedro Feliz, and more. It seems like it's a different guy every day (see Jeffrey Hammonds) who will help spur the team to victory. It's something that not only boosts the morale and confidence of the team and fans, but it makes the Giants a dangerous team. No longer is it just Bonds, Kent, and Aurilia. Anyone and everyone has been coming through in the clutch for this team.

Hopefully, this resiliency will carry the team to its first San Francisco World Series title. If not, it's still been a great ride so far. I look forward to September and October.