San Francisco Giants: Youngsters Finally Starting to Get Their Time to Shine

The trade of Ray Durham has not only freed up some money on the payroll and created a spot for somebody younger to play, it is a signal that the team is going to get a little younger in the lineup.

It has been something that people have been demanding for months, and finally the Giants are answering people's hopes.

So now it's time for the young kids to shine.

With Durham gone, Eugenio Velez will now get the bulk of the time of second base. The speedy 26-year-old got off to a tough start at the start of the season, but after a trip back to Triple-A Fresno gave him a chance to play everyday.

Although he played mostly in the outfield with the Grizzlies, it seems as though Giants manager Bruce Bochy will not be moving him around very much anymore.

"With Ray leaving, we think Velez is a more offensive player. We need to add some offense,” the Giants’ skipper told reports a few days back.

Despite Vizquel turning a corner offensively after his toughest stretch at the plate in his career, 23-year-old Emmanuel Burriss will see the majority of playing time after the July 31 trade deadline passes.

However, the Giants don’t plan on trading the 11-time Gold Glove winner, something that the younger players should be very happy about.

"Omar was fine with it. He understands," Bochy said. "He wants to help these young players, too."

A player who will be very attractive to teams at the deadline will be Randy Winn. And if he is traded, it will free up a spot for Nate Schierholtz.

However, Giants GM Brian Sabean continues to reiterate that the only way he will trade Winn is if he gets blown away by an offer.

Schierholtz was named as to the United States Olympic Baseball team an injury replacement Wednesday, so seeing the future right fielder play in August might be hard to do.

It took Barry Bonds' departure and an injury to Dave Roberts early in the season, but Fred Lewis has now cemented himself in left field for years to come.

After being a top prospect for years, Lewis is finally getting the first regular playing time of his career. Coming into Thursday's game against the Nationals, Lewis was hitting .271, with seven home runs and 28 RBI. He also leads the team with 17 stolen bases.

Yet despite what people may say about what the team is or is not doing, the steps are being taken to transition into a new generation.

Remember, it just can’t happen overnight.