In The Midst Of a Youth Movement, Giants Should Keep Aurilia Around

Ever since Barry Bonds left the San Francisco Giants, the tone of the franchise did a complete flip. First they were concerned only about Bonds and getting players in the lineup that were older and could better suit Barry's style. But after years of failure, that tone changed to a complete youth movement.

Veterans like Ray Durham were dealt away and players like Omar Vizquel received a huge cut in playing time as the youth of the franchise got their turn. The Giants' outfield is pretty much set now, with the likes of Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand, Randy Winn, and Nate Schierholtz, but it's the infield that is a bit of a question mark.

The Giants have the possibility of starting a rookie or sophomore player at every infield position with the exception of catcher. In other words, the Giants need to keep some experience in the infield.

John Bowker and Dan Ortmeier will be fighting for the job at first base.

Ryan Rohlinger and Pablo Sandoval will be battling at third base. However, Sandoval can play two other infield positions (catcher and first base).

At shortshop, the battle pits Emmanuel Burriss, Ivan Ochoa and Brian Bocock against eachother.

And finally at second base, Eugenio Velez and Travis Denker will get their chance.

With all of that youth, it would be great for the Giants to have an experienced veteran who also happens to be a fan favorite and a free agent this off-season. That is why I'm vying for the Giants to bring back Rich Aurilia.

He can play every position in the infield and can be a solid bat at the bottom of the lineup. Although he hasn't shown much power in his second stint as a Giant since returning from Cincinnati, Aurilia bat a solid .283 last season while hitting 10 homers and driving in 52. That's not bad for a 37-year-old veteran with over 1,500 major league games under his belt.

He is also a great guy to have in the locker room and will help with the mentoring process of the nine aformentioned players that will be battling for positions in the infield come Springtime.