Here is the opening to my Sunday column. In it Bruce Bochy analyzes his team:
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Imagine me as a stand-in for you. The other day, I met privately with Bruce Bochy and asked basic questions about his team, questions I imagine you would ask. I hope you enjoy.
Cohn: You have lots of guys at the World Baseball Classic — seven major leaguers, one minor leaguer. Does this negatively impact the Giants?
Bochy: I don’t think so. I’m all for the WBC and for our guys to represent their countries. We pretty much have the same club we had last year. The part of learning to play as a club, to play together, they know how to do that. I don’t think we’re going to miss too much. I try to look at the silver lining. It’s a chance for younger players to show what they can do.
(Analytical Interruption: Bochy may be right that the WBC will have no negative impact on the Giants. But spring training is a slow-developing phenomenon. It feels like players — Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro, Sergio Romo etc. — were yanked out of recess and told to play at an intense championship level. When the WBC ends, they will relax again. This is an abnormal rhythm. Will it affect the Giants when they make their late-season push? Back to the interview.)
To read the full column, click here.
