Are The Giants Finally On The Right Path To Post-Bonds Respectability?

Today was a momentous day in Giants history.

Ok, maybe not.

But it did feature a rare event in these post-Barry times, a call-up of three minor leaguers not forced by injury or a recent trade. The three are: Travis Ishikawa (from AAA), who will probably play first, Pablo Sandoval (AA), who will backup Benji Molina at catcher (although he can also play first), and Ryan Rohlinger (AA), who will play third.

John Bowker and Steve Holm were sent down to AAA, while Jose Castillo was designated for assignment. Bowker showed signs of both power and average, but had not contributed either since the All-Star break.

Rohlinger is playing tonight against the Astros (so far: 0-2 with a K, although the strike out was a decent seven-pitch at-bat), while the other two prospects will begin play tomorrow.

All three call-ups were hitting near or over .300: Sandoval was leading the way with a .339 average at AA Connecticut.

Whether or not Ishikawa, Sandoval, or Rohlinger become solid players and find a place in the everyday lineup, at least the Giants are attempting to create what could be a youthful infield of the future. A few years ago, as soon a prospect became a decent option, he would be traded for an aging veteran.

The Giants' next step should be to build a younger outfield to compliment Fred Lewis (who isn't exactly young himself—28 in December), and start to develop a young lineup that won't cost Tim Lincecum half a dozen wins and possibly the Cy Young.

None of the Giants' current fielders should be exempt from trade inquiries. Bonds was a once-in-a-generation talent, and the Giants need to get rid of his former supporting cast as soon as possible and accept a few losing seasons to get some solid hitting talent.

After all, even with Bonds, it was the Giants lack of offense that has doomed them since the 2002 World Series collapse and the loss of Jeff Kent. A power hitter or two wouldn't hurt either. Yes, the Giants play in a pitcher's park, but if the team leader has 11 home runs in mid-August, there are some problems with the lineup.

Will the Giants' management finally realize that a few decent young players are better than overpriced veterans? Hopefully today's call-up starts a trend, and is not just a late-season throw-in-the-towel move.

(Breaking news: The Giants have scored a run! The offense is energized already!)