(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Apparently, it takes a whole bunch, based on some of the opinions that I have been reading here lately.
The Giants are currently leading the wild-card chase and are nine games over .500, but based on some of the recent vitriolic attacks on Sabean and Bochy you would think that we were 10 games under.
Every fan of every team questions a manager's decision sometime during the year, myself included. But wise fans will consider the whole picture and not limit themselves through tunnel-vision.
I believe that what Bochy has accomplished is nothing short of miraculous, given what he has to work with.
He does not have a prototypical leadoff-man, but he took a struggling Rowand and moved him into the top spot. We all know the results of that move. I, for one, probably wouldn't have even considered this move.
Our best bet to bat second in the order is probably Sandoval or even Molina, based on ability to make ball contact. But they are better suited in the 3-5 spots, so Bochy is pretty much forced to use Winn, with his experience, in the No. 2 spot.
We do not have a real power hitter to fill the clean-up spot, so Bengie gets it by default.
The speed we expected to have this year has been tampered by the inability of players like Burriss and Lewis to get on base. So Bochy brings Scheurholz in. Working so far? You bet.
As Ishikawa grows into his power (and believe me, he will) and as Scheurholz gains more experience and patience at the plate, you will see Bochy "tinkering" with the lineup even more, which I'm sure will bring many more critical comments from our fans afflicted with tunnel-vision.
Let's not bemoan the fact that Sabean hasn't pulled off the blockbuster deal, (i.e. Manny, Holliday, etc.), let's celebrate that he hasn't made a bonehead move (i.e. Nathan, Liriano, and Bonser).
Finally, if our Giants fail to make the playoffs, it will more likely be due to injuries, poor play, or a complete breakdown of our pitchers, than due to bad decisions by Sabean or Bochy.
Go, Los Gigantes!
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