3 popular former SF Giants players who are still in the playoffs

3 popular former SF Giants players who are still in the playoffs

3. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Evan Longoria

I know everyone has their own favorites in terms of former Giants, but it would be hard to find one to root harder for given the circumstances. The underdog Arizona Diamondbacks have a commanding 2-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Evan Longoria is no longer the player he was earlier in his career, but he is playing the role of the vocal leader for a young and energetic Diamondbacks team. The veteran third baseman made a name for himself with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier in his career and spent the previous five seasons before this one with the Giants.

The 38-year-old had some bright moments with San Francisco, including hitting a solo shot in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers. The Giants would win that game by a score of 1-0 due in large part to Longoria's heroics.

Longoria had a nice season with Arizona as he recorded a .717 OPS with 11 home runs in 237 plate appearances. He got off to a nice start but sustained a back strain midway through the year and his numbers tailed off at the end of the season. Regardless of how this season finishes, the 16-year veteran plans to continue his playing career after this season.

Giants fans hope that he can delay that decision a little longer while they focus on knocking the Dodgers out of the playoffs. Young teams usually need an experienced, veteran voice in the clubhouse, and for Arizona, Longoria has been exactly what they needed.