Modest Proposal

One of the biggest strategic shortcomings of the Giants' 2011 season was manager Bruce Bochy's handling of Brandon Belt. The first baseman, the one hitter on the team who might have made up for the loss of Buster Posey, couldn't get consistent playing time: He started just 50 games, was demoted three weeks into the season and. strangely, was twice benched in September following a game in which he'd homered. It was as if there was a plan to ensure the rookie couldn't find a rhythm at the plate. In two minor league seasons Belt, 23, has a 1.052 OPS, including a .971 mark at Triple A. He's the best hitter in the Giants' organization—and the team that finished last in the NL in runs scored can't afford to bench its best hitter. Belt has to play every day at first base, and if that means Aubrey Huff (35 years old and coming off a .246/.306/.370 year) has to play less or stumble around in the outfield, so be it. The Giants can win the NL West, but not without scoring more than the 570 runs they tallied a year ago. Playing Belt is the quickest way to raise that number.