San Francisco Giants: Why They Have All the Right Tools to Repeat in 2011

The San Francisco Giants were the unlikely winners of the 2010 World Series. However, anyone who watched the team throughout the season knew that it wasn't just a stroke of good luck. 

The Giants play small ball. They are getting off to a hot start in 2011. They have 13 wins at home, and 11 of them were one-run games and seven have been walk-off victories. 

Many doubt that the team that was unlikely to win the World Series in the first place has any chance of repeating the feat. Critics highlight the Giants' poor offense.

They may not have the solidity of teams like the Philadelphia Phillies. However, even besides the outstanding pitching that they do have, the Giants have some tools that other teams don’t. Their numbers might not jump off the paper, but these guys always seem to come through when they need it most.

They are the reasons that the Giants were able to win the World Series in 2010, and they are giving the team a shot to do it all over again.

Veteran and Rookie Difference-Makers

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 16: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants high fives teammate Aaron Rowand #33 after Posey hit a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on Apri

Freddy Sanchez

He’s like a flying squirrel at second base and holds down the Giants' infield defense. He also is one of the more consistent hitters on the team. He leads the team so far in 2011, batting .281. 

Aubrey Huff

Although he did not get off to a hot start in 2011, he was one of the biggest surprises in 2010 and hit third in the batting order for most of the season. You can bet that he will start contributing again this year.

Pat Burrell and Aaron Rowand

Both of these guys bring regular season and postseason experience to the team. Both are often criticized for not being productive enough at the plate. However, when they get hot, they win games for the team. Giants fans remember all of the times that Aaron Rowand and "Pat the Bat" have come through with clutch hits to help the Giants win.

Buster Posey

We all know that he’s up there with Tim Lincecum on the Giants' list of prized possessions. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2010 and he deserved it. If he had not come up last May, the Giants might not have made it to the postseason. He is arguably the Giants’ most valuable position player, helping the team win games at, and from behind, the plate. 

Pablo Sandoval

OK so maybe he's not a rookie or a veteran, but he has been making a huge difference for the Giants in 2011. After losing 40 lbs in the offseason, the Kung Fu Panda has been able to return to form of his standout rookie year. 

The injury to Sandoval was a blow to the Giants already dismal offense. Somehow, they were able to get red hot even without the offensive contributor. When Sandoval returns, he will give the offense the boost they need to contend with every team in the league. 

Productive Bench Players

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 22: Darren Ford #34 of the San Francisco Giants gets mobbed after scoring the winning run on a single by Emmanuel Burriss #2 against the Oakland A's in the 11th inning at AT&T Park on May 22, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The

These guys don't play every day, but when they do come into the game, it’s for a reason. Whether or not it’s a clutch hit to tie up the game, or an aggressive throw home to preserve the lead, you will see them out there making a difference every time.  

Nate Shierholtz

The Giants' outfield is stacked with Cody Ross, Andres Torres, Pat Burrell and Aaron Rowand. Nate does not usually start because he does not have the same offensive power as Burrell or as Rowand when he’s hot. So far in 2011, he may have proved himself for a more consistent job. He also gives the Giants a defensive advantage in the outfield with his monster throwing arm.

Emmanuel Burriss

This utility man infielder and his friend Darren further proved their value by teaming up for the Giants' seventh home walk-off win to sweep the A's during interleague play.  

Darren Ford

Fastest man in baseball. It’s not a proven fact, but if you want reassurance just ask anyone who's seen him run in person. He leads the team in stolen bases with only 10 at-bats. He’s the Giants' secret weapon and has already helped the team with several memorable wins. 

Excellent Pitching

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 8: Brian Wilson #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 9th inning during a MLB baseball game at AT&T Park April 8, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The Giants won the game in extra inning

OK, this is the obvious one. It's the reason that the Giants won in 2010. 

The Giants just might have the best overall pitching staff in baseball. The team is led by the Freak, Tim Lincecum, and workhorse Matt Cain, and carried by a monster of a bullpen held down by league-leading closer Brian Wilson.

Not only do the Giants have one of the best aces in the game but the have a very solid starting five and a strong bullpen. Besides the feared closer, relievers Sergio Romo, Javier Lopez, Ramon Ramirez and Santiago Casilla were all major strengths for the team in 2010 and will continue to be successful this season. 

Bruce Bochy

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 16: Manager Bruce Bochy of the San Francisco Giants during the Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 16, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 5-3. (Photo by Chri

The Giants' game-winning tools aren't a batting order full of power hitters and defensive superstars that the manager can write down on a lineup card in April and not have to tweak for the rest of the season. 

The Giants' game-winning formula is one that has been executed as well as made possible by Bruce Bochy. He can always be trusted to have the right player, pitcher or batter in the game at the right time. 

Bruce Bochy knows how to use every tool he has. He is the glue that holds this championship team together. He is a big reason why the 2010 Giants became world champions, and will lead the team to success again in 2011.