Baseball season is drawing ever-nearer, with opening day scheduled for April 3. February 18 has pitchers, catchers, and injured players reporting to their teams and shortly thereafter, the remainder of teams’ players will arrive. Spring Training games officially kick off on March 1, making the wait for the official regular season slightly more palatable. Ideally, warm weather is on the horizon, and the remainder of the offseason will fly by. Heading into 2016, here are the 10 most compelling stories to watch.
10. Can The Giants’ “Even Year” Success Continue?
Since 2010 (Buster Posey’s rookie season), the San Francisco Giants have alternated World Series victories. During their odd years, they have failed to make the playoffs. Now that it’s 2016, will the Giants continue their pattern as World Series champions? In 2010, Posey took the league by storm, winning National League (NL) rookie of the year and carrying the team to the championship. Unfortunately during 2011, Posey fractured his ankle during a controversial slide at home plate and missed the entire season. Since then, it’s been clear that Buster Posey must carry this team if they wish to succeed. This season, the Giants have the necessary pieces as an underrated signing of Denard Span fills their gaping hole at leadoff and Johnny Cueto gives them a very competent 1-2 punch with Madison Bumgarner at the top of the pitching rotation. This is an underrated team with star power that can certainly take advantage of a weak division. Their alternating year pattern may well hold true to form.
http://www.theistlist.com/last/world-series-champions/ Source: theistlist.com