Randall David Johnson (Big Unit)...An Aide to 27 Outs

The San Francisco Giants have made a history of signing players at the end of their career. Off hand I recall Rich "Goose" Gossage and Steve "Lefty" Carlton making stops to don the orange and black. Warren Spahn, Ron Kline and Bill Monboquette were also San Francisco Giants.

It doesn't hurt that Randy Johnson is a former Cy Young winner but better than that is how effective the Big Unit was last season. He, by all accounts, has some gas left in the tank. Unlike the aforementioned veterans who paid a visit.

I had the Unit on my fantasy team, last season and from experience I agree with Brian Sabean's feelings. The Big Unit continues to strike out batters at an alarming rate, which makes him dominating. But like the Giants of last year, his team (Arizona) had difficulty scoring runs. This is an issue that has yet to be addressed by Brian Sabean and Gang, but you gotta admit, the pitching staff is looking good. And I get the feeling Sabean will not be satisfied until he does acquire a hitter who has the capability of driving the ball to the gaps and the wide-open spaces where only outstanding plays on defense will prevent this batter from succeeding at AT&T.

One thing is for sure, YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH PITCHING. With that in mind, Brian Sabean needs to be sure the fielders behind these stellar arms can catch and throw. Because as bad as the Giants need a couple of power hitters, it will not mean much if they themselves cannot catch what the opponents hit at 'em.

Twenty seven outs.

With good pitching and good defense that's all ya need.


Kevin Marquez