As the last team standing in 2012, the Giants already had a short offseason. Cutting even further into that break is the World Baseball Classic, which nine Giants players will be participating in. The WBC, which was played for the first time in 2006, then again in 2009, will hold the semifinal and championship games at AT&T Park in March after pool play takes teams all over the world, from Japan to Puerto Rico. Read More

If the past truly is prologue, you better have your tickets in hand already if you want to be a part of the Giants’ spring training party. The last time Scottsdale, Ariz., played host to the defending world champs, way back in 2011, the vibrant little city and its charming stadium were packed throughout camp. Otherwise sane people were paying scalpers upward of $200 for the right to burn the skin off the backs of their thighs on the sun-sizzled metal bleachers down either foul line. Read More

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Andres Torres checked out the banner at the main entrance to Scottsdale Stadium blaring “2012 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS” and knew he was back in the right place. The outgoing outfielder bounced through the clubhouse Tuesday morning, sporting a beanie for the cool desert weather after batting practice and some running. He offered handshakes and hugs as he said hello to all the familiar faces he missed spending one season away with the New York Mets following three in San Francisco. Read More

Once again, the Giants find themselves in stark contrast to their archrival in the Los Angeles Dodgers. L.A. spent big money in an effort to upgrade its team over the past year. The team’s new ownership group has plenty of money, and it has not been shy about spending it in an effort to dethrone the Giants. San Francisco, on the other hand, has gone with the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Read More