It's time for the third installment of my thank yous to the 2009 Giants. Unfortunately, this post is based around a story that isn't someone getting an award, but rather the news that Randy Winn has been asked to look elsewhere for work in 2010. While he didn't have a particularly good offensive year (especially batting right handed), he continued to be a defensive stalwart in right field and a great personality. Most importantly, he gave the Giants a good four years from a running start.
The Giants acquired Winn from the Seattle Mariners in July, 2005, for Yorvit Torrealba and Jesse Foppert. In September, 2005, Winn had one of the greatest months by a Giant in franchise history. (He hit .447 with 51 hits. He hit 11 homers in 30 games after Sept. 1.) He parlayed that month into a three-year, $23.25 million extension.
While his production tailed off, nobody could dispute that Winn was a good Giant. He played hurt without complaint and got himself ready to be on the field every day. He gave a consistent effort. He’s a smart defensive player and baserunner. Those are the kinds of things managers appreciate most in players. From a beat writer’s perspective, he was accessible and his dry sense of humor made him an asset in the clubhouse. He was our Good Guy award this past season after finishing high in the balloting in previous years.
As Landis said to me today, “If anyone tells me they don’t like Randy Winn, that makes me wonder about who I’m talking to.”
Thanks Randy! We're going to miss you.
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