Boy Prince

Spring training is a time of fresh faces, limitless hope, sunshine and green grass. It's also the first time you get to see your team's prospects play with the current stars. You see the potential in their bodies, the new, young strength in their arms, and the giddy "I can't believe I'm here!" look in their bright eyes.

For the Astros it was Hunter Pence. His long, quick stride. His powerful swing. His range in the outfield.

For the A's it was Travis Buck. His surfer hair, ability to walk, and quick smile fit right in with the frat house quality of the A's clubhouse.

But for the Giants, it was Tim Lincecum. Shadowed by the recent signing of off-kilter superstar Barry Zito, many were unaware of The Kid's nickname: The Franchise. At maybe 5'10" and 165 lbs. soaking wet, San Francisco had taken him 10th overall and were grooming him to be the next great Giants pitcher.

Today, he pitched 8 innings, allowed no runs, notched 8 strikeouts, and allowed 4 hits. He hit 97mph on the radar gun, his fastball consistently in the mid-nineties.

The next great Giants pitcher has arrived. (I'm also glad he's on my fantasy team. Hah!)