San Francisco Giants Burrell hits a first inning three-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during Game 2 of their MLB National League Division Series baseball playoff game in San Francisco

After making the playoffs for the first time since 2003, the San Francisco Giants will now play the Philadelphia Phillies for a chance to represent the National League in the World Series.

And while many will rightfully credit San Francisco’s starting pitching staff for the team’s success, the work that general manager Brian Sabean did to assemble a formidable lineup of veteran hitters should not be overlooked.

Three position players who were not even part of the Giants’ Opening Day roster played in the starting lineup in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Atlanta Braves. Pat Burrell, Cody Ross and Mike Fontenot were all acquired for next to nothing during the regular season. And it was Ross who ultimately delivered the game-winning RBI on Monday night.

San Francisco’s lineup takes the term “ragtag” and elevates it to a whole new level. Sabean has managed to field a playoff caliber lineup by turning one teams’ trash into the Giants’ treasure. A guy like Aubrey Huff barely made the fine print on the back of the sports section when San Francisco picked him up over the offseason. Yet Huff led the team in almost every offensive category this season (hits, home runs, RBIs, batting average and on-base percentage).

The underlying thread that has connected such key acquisitions is Brian Sabean seeing potential where others did not.

And for all the success that the Giants have experienced on the field this year, credit needs to be given as well to the man who has been pulling all the strings backstage.   

To reach staff writer Michael Green, click here.

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