Defending The Crown - Opening Day Insight (April 6th Repost)

In an effort to centralize my reading core, I have decided to begin posting all of my blogs at "http://www.silvachristopher.blogspot.com/". This is an article which I wrote on Opening Day of the 2015 MLB Regular Season. Thank you for supporting my work.
As the first pitch of the 2015 season approaches for San Francisco, many MLB analysts across the nation have already discounted the defending World Series Champion Giants, claiming that they are not deep enough, their luck has run out, or they can only win "in even years".
Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is: with the difficulties that San Francisco has overcome, as well as the ability that they possess to somehow maintain their composure in the most intense of scenarios, this Giants franchise is going to continue to be a threat each and every season for many years to come.
Though some may question many of the decisions made by San Francisco's management, the fact that they have guided their franchise to three World Series titles in five seasons certainly speaks for itself, as Brian Sabean seemingly never leads the Giants' organization astray.
Others may question the depth of their 25-man roster, claiming that they lack the pieces offensively, or will not be able to find a consistent starting rotation.
However, if you break down their Opening Day 2015 roster, this current Giants' team has improved in every possible aspect across the diamond (aside from power, which always seems to be "lacking").
While it is true that San Francisco will miss the power numbers that third baseman Pablo Sandoval provided during his six seasons in the Bay Area, Santa Cruz native Casey McGehee should be able to fill his position adequately, fresh off of a career year in 2014.
And although Hunter Pence will be shelved throughout the duration of April, a healthy Angel Pagan, as well as recently acquired outfielder Nori Aoki (formerly a member of the Kansas City Royals), should give the Giants options as far as the 7-8-9 positions are concerned.
San Francisco's bullpen should also be stronger than ever, as Jeremy Affeldt, Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo and company look to reproduce their prototypical, minimal ERA's.
Additionally, Hunter Strickland will be looking for a bounce back season in 2015, striving to make a name for himself as San Francisco's missile-armed late-inning relief pitcher.
The Giants will also have an embarrassment of riches at the starting position, as Madison Bumgarner looks to emulate his 2014 heroics, Matt Cain returns to the mound more confidently than ever, and Tim Lincecum, Yusmeiro Petit, Ryan Vogelsong, Tim Hudson, and Jake Peavy all seek to round out the "bottom three" slots in the rotation.
San Francisco also expects a breakout season from fifth-year players Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford, as well as significant contributions from the likes of second-year second baseman Joe Panik.
Leading the charge offensively, however, will be 2012 National League MVP Buster Posey, as he strives to lead the Giants to their fourth postseason appearance in the past six seasons.
Only time will tell if this season's San Francisco Giants will be strong enough to knock off serious National League West Contenders (primarily the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers).
However, one thing is certain: the defending World Series Champions will undoubtedly be up to the challenge. 

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