San Francisco Giants All-Stars: Building the Best Giants All-Time Lineup

San Francisco Giants All-Stars: Building the Best All-Time Lineup

It has always been wise to exercise caution when kayaking in McCovey Cove because you never know when a Giants slugger, like Bonds or any of today’s power hitters, might make waves. The San Francisco Giants ushered in a new era of West Coast baseball, where Babe Ruth’s legendary home run record was broken, and the hits keep coming even in the even-numbered years.

Manager: Bruce Bochy

Bruce Bochy took charge of the Giants in 2007. While the initial seasons were challenging with two consecutive losing records, the franchise captured the 2010 World Series title, marking its first championship since 1954. The Giants followed this with another victory in the 2012 World Series and repeated the feat in 2014. Under Bochy’s leadership, the Giants won three championships (2010, 2012, and 2014), made the playoffs four times, and posted a combined record of 1,052-1,054 from 2007 to 2019. His 1,052 managerial wins rank second in Giants history. (Photo by Andy Hayt/Getty Images)

Starting Pitcher: Juan Marichal

Juan Marichal was a dominant force on the mound for San Francisco, where he spent the first 14 seasons of his career (1960-73). The right-handed pitcher was known for his durability, often going deep into games, limiting runs, and rarely allowing runners on base. Marichal led the NL in wins, complete games, innings pitched, and ERA+ twice each while achieving a remarkable 2.10 ERA in 1969 and a 10.3 WAR in 1965. A nine-time All-Star, he ranks second in Giants history with 2,281 strikeouts, has 52 shutouts, and is tied for third with 238 wins. He maintained a career ERA of 2.84 with the Giants. (via Getty Images)

Reliever/Closer: Robb Nen

Robb Nen joined the Giants for the 1998 season, showcasing his best performances during his five-year tenure (1998-2002) x777 .com. The right-hander recorded a combined ERA of 2.43, a WHIP of 1.08, and an ERA+ of 169, while averaging 41 saves and 91 strikeouts across 76.0 innings each season. In postseason play, Nen posted a remarkable combined ERA of 0.79 and secured seven saves in 11.1 innings pitched for the Giants. A three-time All-Star, he led the NL with 45 saves in 2001 and holds the franchise record with 206 career saves. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Catcher: Buster Posey

Buster Posey is often cited as one of the best all-around catchers of his era. A five-time Silver Slugger and seven-time All-Star, he was a stabilizing presence for the team, praised for his compact swing that consistently helped him reach base and drive in runs. Posey won the NL batting title in 2012 and played an integral role in three championship-winning teams (2010, 2012, and 2014), ending his career with a .302 batting average. Spending his entire 12-year career with the Giants, he ranks sixth in franchise history with 293 doubles and seventh with a 45.0 WAR. Currently, Posey serves as San Francisco’s president of baseball operations. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

1B: Willie McCovey

Willie McCovey was a legendary figure for the Giants, playing his first 15 seasons (1959-73) and his last four seasons (1977-80) with the franchise. The first baseman was one of the most fearsome hitters of his time, winning the 1969 NL MVP Award, and leading the league in home runs and slugging percentage three times each. McCovey, a six-time All-Star, ranks fourth in Giants history with 1,974 hits, 469 home runs, 1,388 RBIs, and a 59. phspin 114 WAR. He is also remembered for “McCovey Cove” at Oracle Park, named in his honor. (Photo by MLB via Getty Images)

2B: Jeff Kent

Jeff Kent had an outstanding career, but his most consistent success came while playing for the Giants from 1997 to 2002. He was a top-tier hitter, earning the NL MVP Award in 2000 and averaging 29 home runs and 115 RBIs per season during his six years in San Francisco. Kent was part of the 2002 team that made it to the World Series and drove in over 100 runs in each of his six seasons with the Giants. He finished tied for fifth in franchise history with a .535 slugging percentage and tied for 10th with 175 home runs. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images)

3B: Matt Williams

Matt Williams was known for his powerful hitting and solid defense at third base, playing his first ten seasons (1987-96) with the Giants. He led the NL in home runs (43) in 1994 and in RBIs (122) in 1990. Williams was a three-time Gold Glover, three-time Silver Slugger, and four-time All-Star with the team, finishing fifth in franchise history with 247 home runs. (via Getty Images)

SS: Brandon Crawford

Pound-for-pound, Brandon Crawford ranks among the best shortstops in recent memory. He played his first 13 seasons (2011-2023) with the Giants, making numerous highlight-reel plays and posting a combined 58 DRS at shortstop. Crawford was a starter on the championship teams in 2012 and 2014, and he ranks fourth in Giants history with a 14.5 defensive WAR and eighth with 290 doubles. He earned four Gold Gloves and three All-Star selections. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

OF: Barry Bonds

While many players have shown immense power, no one in MLB history has intimidated opponents like Barry Bonds. He joined the Giants in 1993 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Bonds famously hit an MLB record of 73 home runs in a single season in 2001 and became the all-time home run leader in 2007 with 762 career home runs. taya365 download In the 2002 postseason, he contributed eight home runs and 16 RBIs, boasting a stunning .356/.581/ yg philippines.978 slash line as the Giants reached the World Series. Bonds won four consecutive NL MVP awards from 2001 to 2004, amassing numerous franchise records, including a .477 on-base percentage and 1,947 walks. jiliko (Photo by MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images)

OF: Willie Mays

Willie Mays is remembered for his incredible play in the 1954 World Series, where he made an iconic catch that is celebrated in MLB history. Spending most of his career with the Giants (1951-52, 1954-72), Mays was a phenomenal center fielder and prolific hitter, driving in over 100 runs in ten seasons. A two-time NL MVP, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and 24-time All-Star, he holds numerous franchise records, including 3,187 hits and 646 home runs. (via Getty Images)

OF: Mel Ott

Mel Ott is a key player to remember from the Giants’ roster, contributing significantly from 1926 to 1947. He helped lead the team to a World Series victory in 1933, where he batted .389 with two home runs and four RBIs. A formidable hitter, Ott led the NL in home runs and walks six times each and ranks first in franchise history with 1,860 RBIs. (via Getty Images)

DH: Orlando Cepeda

Orlando Cepeda made an impact right away, winning the 1958 NL Rookie of the Year Award. He went on to have six consecutive All-Star seasons for the Giants. Cepeda led the league with 46 home runs and 142 RBIs in 1961. A primary first baseman and occasional left fielder, he achieved a .308 batting average with the Giants and ranks sixth in franchise history with 226 home runs. (Photo by Hy Peskin/Getty Images)

Honorable Mentions:

1. John McGraw (manager)
2. Gaylord Perry (starting pitcher)
3. Tim Lincecum (starting pitcher)
4. Matt Cain (starting pitcher)
5. Barry Zito (starting pitcher)
6. Christy Matthewson (starting pitcher)
7. Madison Bumgarner (starting pitcher)
8. Carl Hubbell (starting pitcher)
9. Gary Lavelle (reliever/closer)
10. Sergio Romo (reliever/closer)
11. Rod Beck (reliever/closer)
12. Santiago Casilla (reliever/closer)
13. Rich Aurilia (SS)
14. Travis Jackson (SS)
15. Bill Terry (DH)
16. George Davis (DH)
17. Ross Youngs (DH)
18. Will Clark (DH)

What are your thoughts on this all-time Giants lineup?