Ryan Vogelsong signs another 1-year deal with San Francisco Giants

source: US Presswire, Bleacher Report

When the San Francisco Giants captured a third World Series title in five years, it's a given that the roster in October won't be the same roster in April 2015.

Two key players from the 2014 team, Michael Morse and Pablo Sandoval, have signed with new teams. Morse is now with the Miami Marlins. Sandoval signed with the Boston Red Sox.

Another player who became a free agent at the end of the 2014 season is pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. After the 2013 season, it took some time, but I knew the Giants would resign him.

I was pretty sure this wouldn't be the case in 2014. Just 3 days ago, it was reported Vogelsong would sign with the Houston Astros. Later that same day, I was relieved to read that Vogelsong's deal with the Astros fell through. This past Friday, Vogelsong signed a 1-year $4 million contract for 2015 to remain with the Giants.

Whew.

I've been a big Ryan Vogelsong fan since he rejoined the Giants in 2011 (San Francisco drafted him in the 5th round in 1998). His promotion to the starting rotation came at a very low point in my life (heartbroken and unemployed). It was then I read a moving, poignant article written by San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler (June 9, 2011), "Ryan Vogelsong's long, strange trip to SF Giants".

I cried when I read it then. It still makes me cry when I read it now. Mostly because I found Ryan's persistence, resilience and loyalty finally got him back to where he started.

Yes, there are arguments that Vogelsong's game isn't what it was in 2011 and 2012. His 2014 post season (no-decisions in 3 starts) was far from his stellar outings in 2012 (3-0 - see October 21, 2012 blog entry). But the team's run production was achingly low during his starts. Plus, in the 7 post season games he started, the Giants have won them all.

As of this writing, the Giants pitching rotation isn't set in stone, which is why the Giants resigned Vogelsong. Matt Cain and Tim Hudson will be returning from surgery. Tim Lincecum's last 3 seasons have lacked consistency. As it was in 2011, Vogelsong may not begin 2015 as a starter. And he's OK with that.

From being drafted in 1998 to 2 World Series titles in 2012 and 2014, I'd be OK with that too.