#2 Most Thankful: Madison Bumgarner

Aug 7, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning at AT

It’s officially Thanksgiving time and we thought we’d kick off the holiday weekend by showing our gratitude for the Giants. The Giants have given us a lot to be thankful for over the past few seasons.  Over the weekend we’ll share our favorite 10  Giants and possibly some honorable mentions. So for all the times we whine and complain about the state of our team, let’s take some time to be thankful this offseason.

See the full list here: Top 10 Giants Most Thankful For This Year

Madison Bumgarner

I’m not even sure where to start with Bumgarner. He was 13-8 in 2013 with a 2.77 ERA, team best of the starting rotation. He notched 199 strikeouts, also a team best. He gave up fewer home runs than any of the other (regular) starting rotation. Plain and simple, he dealt. There was no question that Bumgarner was the Giants ace of last season. Depending on how spring training goes, I wouldn’t be surprised if he begins the season as the #1 starter. He’s just that good right now, and he’s getting better.

Oh, he’s also going to be a Giant through at least 2017, with options for 2018 & 2019.

For a pitcher with just barely over 3 years under his belt, I’m excited to see what he does over the next few years. Being a big guy, I hope his body holds up. I think we’ll see him win a Cy Young at some point in the future too. Maybe even 2014 now that he’ll have a postseason to get some rest.