San Francisco Giants: Top 10 Center Fielders in Franchise History

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Aug 10, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Andres Torres (56) reacts in the dugout after the Giants take a two run lead against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco Giants were founded in 1883. They have won more games than any team in Major League baseball history. This is one of many all-time lists we’re producing this offseason.

The San Francisco Giants have had some amazing Center Fielders in their history. Thanks to Baseball Reference, we have the ability to compare players from different eras and from different centuries. We will be able to compare Giants from both New York and San Francisco, dating back to the beginning of our national pastime.

While the number one center fielder in franchise history is a forgone conclusion, there are still some interesting members, and interesting players left off this list. Obviously the members of the list will be discussed later, but what about those left off?

To start out here, I set a minimum of games played for the organization at 250 games played. This would mean a player would have had to play roughly two seasons with the club. The interesting thing about that limit is that it doesn’t change the top ten in this case, even if there was no minimum. However, when discussing recent and former Giants, it does affect a few of their rankings, but not by a whole lot.

The notable omissions section would include Angel Pagan, Andres Torres, and yes, Aaron Rowand. Andres Torres actually grades out at as the 12th best centerfielder in franchise history by WAR, with a 7.8 WAR in a Giants uniform. Angel Pagan follows suit at 16th in franchise history with a 5.4 career WAR. Rowand came in at 22nd with a 2.5 career WAR. Want to know my favorite finding?

I took away the 250 game minimum and just looked at everybody, and got a look at players who have only spent a season or less in a Giants uniform. Deion Sanders, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, Steve Finley, and Kenny Lofton all had a higher WAR in their one season than active and current center fielder, Denard Span. Span has a ways to go in the next few years to get higher on the overall list though. Anyways. Here is the list!