I'm a sucker for spring. I love the hope and hype that builds in the slow march to Opening Day.
I always get swept up. I always come back. Why?
For almost a decade the Giants have delivered plenty of reasons and seasons not to get swept up. The free agent rejection. The never-ending roster churn. The slog to .500-ish.
About the only thing that hasn't changed in that time, through all of the bleh, are the narrators. The four familiar voices that guide us through late comebacks, blown leads, and everything between.
So when I saw the Giants broadcasters all recently signed contract extensions, my mind drifted to what I actually love and look forward to this time of year. It's not Willy Adames stepping into the box or Justin Verlander taking the mound.
It's the opening of the first broadcast of the year, when we'll see a wide shot of fans streaming into Great American Ball Park and hear the familiar voice of Duane Kuiper greeting us like a good friend we haven't seen in months.
Only then will the hope and hype of spring reach its peak. The moment only lasts a few seconds. It’ll be short. It’ll be perfect. The Giants will be 0-0.
And I can't wait.