In his last full season as a starter in 2011 first baseman Michael Morse whacked 31 home runs with 95 RBI and a .303 batting average. (Scot Tucker/SFBay)
AT&T PARK — As newcomers Tim Hudson and Michael Morse work through lingering injuries, many returning Giants players were quick to praise the anticipated contributions of their newest teammates.
With the addition of a power-hitting, everyday left fielder in Morse — and the commanding Hudson filling Barry Zito‘s spot in the rotation — the Giants addressed two key issues in their roster with free-agent signings.
Hudson and Morse are the only free agents signed to the team who weren’t a part of the 2013 Giants.
Morse may be a new name for many this offseason, but manager Bruce Bochy admitted that he has had his eyes on the slugger dating back to his time with the Seattle Mariners.
“I’ve seen this kid for a long time, going back to when he was a shortstop for Seattle … he’s just gotten better and better as a hitter. He had to deal with a lot of adversity last year, but he’s healthy now so I’m excited about having a bat like this in our lineup and also some help out there in the outfield.”
Some fans may feel let down by the Giants inability or general disinterest in acquiring marquee free agents such as Jose Abreu, Jacoby Ellsbury, or Masahiro Tanaka.
But the signing of Morse and Hudson represented classic Brian Sabean moves, a general manager with has a history of preferring tested veterans for low-risk, high-reward type of signings.
SFBay photos by Scot Tucker and Godofredo Vasquez
SFBay photos by Scot Tucker and Godofredo Vasquez
Last modified February 2, 2014 3:16 am
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