5 Reasons Why the Giants Will Be Contenders For A Long Time

# 4 – Centerpiece Players / Continuity

Right now, the San Francisco Giants are in a unique position to dominate for years to come.  The team boasts a variety of enigmatic – and often hilariously off-beat characters, but they all switch gears come game time, and show the baseball world what they’re really here to do, which is win.

Though San Francisco might not be known for its star power, the team boasts a handful of perennial All-Stars, and have a handful of promising, already extremely talented young players that will serve as the centerpieces for their organization for many years.

Now continuity is very important.  We’ve seen generally the same team over the last few years, but there are a few players that will act as the team’s centerpieces for years to come, and they are:

April 05, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at AT

– Buster Posey – 2010 N.L Rookie Of The Year, 2012 N.L MVP / Silver Slugger, and two-time World Champion, catcher Buster Posey has already made a name for himself as one of the best catchers of all time, let alone in the majors today.  Not only is he one of the purest hitters in the game, but he does so as a catcher, which is extremely rare.

Recently signing an eight (which will most likely become a nine or greater) year, $167 million dollar extension, Buster Posey represents a major part of this team, both offensively and defensively.  Having him for effectively the next decade is one of the biggest things that could have happened for this club, and there is no doubt he will be a force to be reckoned with throughout his career.

– Matt Cain – Until recently, the twenty eight year old righty had seldom gotten the credit he deserved for being one of the most consistent, durable pitchers in the game.  In the last couple years, however, he’s made a definite jump from being good and durable, to elite, showcased by last seasons perfect game against the Houston Astros.

Signing a five year extension worth almost one hundred forty million dollars, Cain will be with the only club he’s ever known until the 2018 season, where he does have a club option.

– Madison Bumgarner – At only twenty three, Madison Bumgarner and his left cannon of an arm have already proven to be one of the better pitchers in big leagues.

What’s truly amazing about Bumgarner, is that, like Posey, he is just getting started.  Bumgarner is on the way to becoming one of the elite pitchers in the game, and he’s under club control until at least the 2018 season.

With Cain and Bumgarner here to stay, the team’s pitching should figure into an important role in the coming years.

– Angel Pagan – Out of nowhere, San Francisco was graced by an Angel prior to the 2012 season.  After an exceptional year at the plate and in the outfield, Pagan has solidified himself as a presence on and off the field.  He’s become part of the heart and soul of this team, and represents one third of a spacious outfield.

We’ve seen what he can do for San Francisco, becoming that dynamic leadoff hitter the team had so desperately needed, and Giants fans are sure happy to have him around for the next four seasons as well.

– Brandon Belt – Still coming into his own, Brandon Belt has the potential to be a home run king.  Under club control until at least 2018, the six foot five lefty first baseman will be essential in the Giant’s continued success.

– Pablo Sandoval – 2012 World Series MVP, Pablo still hasn’t put together the big season we all know he’s capable of putting up, but that’s mostly been because of injuries.  You can say what you want about his weight, but it simply is what it is, and really has had no ill effect on him thus far, as his range at third base is still exceptionally good.

It’s only a matter of time before the club grants him some type of extension, and with him locked up, this team would be that much more secure heading into the future, as Joaquin Arias (as competent and skilled as he is) is not a suitable replacement for the long term.

– Brandon Crawford –Probably the best defensive shortstop in baseball, Brandon Crawford really holds the potential to be a solid player for this

April 2, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) throws to first to complete an out in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

team in the many years to come.  His defensive abilities alone warrant his roster spot, but its his bat that is beginning to develop, as he has three solid hits in four games this season.

I know, VERY small sample size, but to his credit, he also had a great spring, so it looks like he might be taking that into the regular season.

Like the other Brandon on the club, he’ll be with the Giants until at least 2018.

– Sergio Romo – Though this is his first year of official closer’s duty, Sergio Romo has done nothing but impress since being given the title, and is three for three in save opportunities so far this season, which is very valuable, with Wilson gone and no other clear cut closer besides Santiago Casilla, who has been faltering as of late.

He’s under contract until 2015, but depending on the degree of success during this season, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he was given some type of new extension.