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The Giants plucked Ross off waivers in August two years ago and watched him capture MVP honors in the NLCS against Philadelphia and help lead them to the first World Series title since moving from New York in 1958. And just like in 2010, general manager Brian Sabean's move made the biggest noise at the most key time.
Scutaro became just the fifth midseason acquisition to win a postseason MVP award.
"When we acquired Scutaro, a great job by Brian Sabean, making that blockbuster deal, as we say, that's his nickname," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "I knew he was a good player. But to see him day in, day out, you really appreciate the talent that this guy has. I don't know if it was possible for him to raise his game, that's how well he's played, his level. But he did after that slide."
Scutaro was hurt on Holliday's slide in the first inning of Game 2. Scutaro got even a few innings later with his own big blow that helped the Giants even the series and end an 0-3 home slide in the postseason when he singled home two runs in San Francisco's four-run fourth inning.
Another run scored on the bases-loaded hit when Holliday misplayed the bouncing ball in left field. Scutaro left after the fifth of that 7-1 win because of his damaged hip on a play Bochy felt was illegal.
Scutaro never missed a game, and he never stopped playing all-out, either.
His sliding stops were part of a spectacular defensive effort that backed Barry Zito in San Francisco's 5-0 Game 5 victory. He even threw his arms in the air after grabbing Pete Kozma's spinning hopper in the fourth inning of Game 7.
He also delivered a two-out, two-run double to highlight a four-run second inning in the Game 6 win. And even in the Game 1 loss, Scutaro's single to left leading off the fourth was San Francisco's first hit off 18-game winner Lance Lynn.
He spent four seasons across the bay with the Oakland Athletics from 2004-07, filling in wherever he was needed in the infield -- and, on occasion, in the outfield. Scutaro, who turns 37 on Oct. 30, also played for the Mets (2002-03), Toronto (2008-09), Boston (2010-11) and 95 games with Colorado this season.
No matter what happens now, he will always be remembered in San Francisco.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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