Unit-y

When the Giants signed Randy Johnson this spring, my reaction was to roll my eyes and cry, "Why?!" How was a 45-year-old pitcher supposed to help a team ostensibly focused on shucking the old guys and looking to bring on younger players? Moreover, pitching wasn't exactly where we were lacking in talent.

Well, I can eat crow when it's well prepared, and Randy Johnson is about as well prepared as it's possible to be. The Big Unit got his 300th win yesterday, only the 24th pitcher in the 140-year history of Major League Baseball to do so and one of only a small handful of leftys to do so. But what impressed me most about his achievement is what he had to say about it; better, how he said it. Following the game, in interviews and at a news conference, he was articulate about the game of baseball, the art of pitching and his role in what it takes to win a game. A thoughtful guy, grateful for the chance to be where he is, and gracious in his acknowlegement of his teammates, past and present, whose skill at the plate and in the field made those wins possible. And oh, yeah, one more thing: He didn't come to the Giants to win five games, he signed on to help the team win, maybe even make it to the playoffs.

This morning, on KNBR 680 (THE Sports Leader!), Mike Kruko talked about last night's plane ride down to Florida following the games (yes, there were two games, a double-header due to the rainout Tuesday, and Matt Cain got his 7th win of the year in Game 2. Way to go, Matty!). There was a champagne toast, and somebody brought out a cake. And Randy Johnson was on that plane to accept those tributes. He could have headed to Arizona for four days, spent time with his family, relaxing until the Giants get there next week. Instead, he got on the plane with the rest of the team. When he was asked why, he said it just wouldn't have felt right not to be there.

Thanks, Randy. I am glad you got No. 300 wearing a San Francisco Giants uniform. It's a privilege to watch you pitch, a pleasure to hear you talk about the game. Here's to your next win.