Time to Play Ball -- Giants Spring Training 2007



Ah, the scent is in the air! Springtime and Baseball!

As a die hard and life long San Francisco Giants fan -- I remember listening on the radio to games in the day of Mays, McCovey, Bobby Bonds, Gaylord Perry, and Juan Marichal. I can remember a late inning home run by Bobby Bonds to beat the Dodgers and more. I got to attend a game during the 1989 World Series at Candlestick and a grieved when the Giants seemed on the verge of taking their first World Series in 48 years (2002).

But as they say, there's always next year and next year has arrived, as position players arrive at Spring Training in Scottsdale, AZ. This is a big year, after two losing seasons, for the beloved Giants. There is a new manager -- Bruce Bochy and with Barry Zito and Matt Cain, the Giants have a star and a star in the making anchoring their pitching rotation. And yes, I'm excited about that! The starting rotation is definitely the strong suit of the team (especially if Matt Morris, Noah Lowry, and Russ Ortiz return to form.

But of course everyone knows who will be the centerpiece of the Giant's 2007 season. Though the All Star Game will be held at AT&T Park, the focus of this coming year will be Barry Bonds' attempt to eclipse Hank Aaron's home run mark. He is, I believe just 21 short of the record. Having hit 26 last year at less than peak condition that mark will likely fall, to the great chagrin to "purists." Whatever the case regarding Bonds and his use of "enhancers," the mark will likely fall and he will make this one last tour with the Giants. But the true heart of this club looks to be it's rotation -- which has another star in the wings -- Tim Linecum.
Now what does this have to do with a faith journey? Well, I've been waiting my entire life (49 years) to see them win a championship. If this isn't faith what is? Now, of course, I'm at least not a Cubs fan!

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