San Francisco Giants: Youth Movement Sparks Success

The San Francisco Giants have been playing much better baseball the past several days, and the youth movement is the reason why.

It’s not like the young guys have been tearing the cover off the ball. Instead, it’s the opposite — the veterans have stepped up their game.

It’s amazing how a little pressure on your job security can spark some good play.

With the San Francisco Giants making it known that they’re ready to give the young guns a shot, I think it’s sparked some of the veterans to play up to their potential.

Ryder Jones and Jae-gyun Hwang have just one hit each in their combined 26 at-bats. Although, Hwang is not exactly young, but the fact remains that he’s here to take someone’s position.

Austin Slater has been a bit more productive since he was called up to the big leagues. He’s hitting .338 in 80 at-bats with 2 home runs, 12 runs and 12 RBI.

We saw the same spark when Christian Arroyo was called up earlier this year. Even though he only hit .192 in his 125 at-bats, he gave the San Francisco Giants some added momentum.

The Giants have won four games in a row, and it’s not because of the production of the young guys, but because of the veterans.

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In their last seven games Denard Span is leading the team with with 11 hits and a .440 average. It’s amazing what happens when someone threatens a man’s playing time.

It couldn’t have happened at a better time as no matter what Span does, he should be traded by the end of this month.

Another Giant’s outfielder has stepped up his game as well in Hunter Pence. He’s hitting .429 the last seven days.

Brandon Belt has been on fire as well. He’s hitting .280 over that span with 2 home runs and 7 RBI. Buster Posey has been playing great all year, so it’s no surprise that he’s hitting .333 with 7 RBI the past week.

As for the pitching side, it’s still been up-and-down.

With the trade deadline approaching, I hope this veterans continue to play well. I still think Span and Pence — and possibly even Belt at the right price — could be on the move in July.

Next: San Francisco Giants: Top Prospects Named All-Stars

I hope we continue to see an influx of young players come up to see what the future could look like for the San Francisco Giants. And I’m sure going to enjoy them playing Giants’ baseball while it last.