I am giving Brian Sabean a pass on the above three signings. The Nathan/Liriano/Bonzer giveaway trade I have much more anger about....the eight year century between the nightmare of 2002 and the wonder of 2010 may have been much different if we had a closer not named Armando Benitez. And I still remember the delight I felt when we grabbed headlines stealing Zito from the Mets (perhaps a clue not to pull the trigger but what the hell......). Somehow i believe that without the 3 signings we make some other moves and the stars don't align correctly in 2010, and maybe i like stability- I hated letting McCovey go and I loved bringing him back, I hated Willy Mays being traded and Juan Marichal in Dodger blue. I think the future is bright with Panda and Buster and Crawford and Belt and Shierholtz and Panik and Brown and Pitching. I am glad we rewarded Aubrey Huff, honored Pat Burrell, had Freddie Sanchez whole when we really needed him and that Edgar earned 18 million dollars in one week. I would turn it over to the younger guys but Bochy gets a lifetime pass for lucking into every single move working out when it counted even if he doesn't follow my suggestion. Timmy has a ring and stuff, he will be fine and if not I am ok with rewarding him too. I hope Brian Wilson comes back but personally would have traded the future for the present during that magical month that ended with him striking out Nelson Cruz. Robb Nen did and I am forever grateful, notwithstanding the result.

Sabean deserves a pass because stability is good and identity matters. It may or may not happen again, but trying to catch the lightning in a bottle twice in a row was understandable last year. As a fan since 1962, I am more inclined to think its more likely to happen once in a half a century (if that) but I was willing to buy it last year because it felt good to do so and the nucleus deserved it. And the announced intent (proven by the Cain and Bumgarner signings) to keep the homegrown talent together is a good solid plan. It may not pan out. But it should keep the Giants in the hunt for the time being. And more than that I do not seek (anymore....).

A friend of mine who is a Phillie fan posed a question after TSFGWTWS. "Hey, Norm, are you ok with the Giants being one and done?" Yes, I am in one sense. I got what I so long desired and it remains a highlight of a life filled with blessings. Even though I still recognize the feeling of despair each time we lose, and some part of me thinks we will never win again, i know its not true. And i will not fade away with my love unrequited....not anymore.