Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Giants' Adames aiming for a 'few championships'

Written by 
Published in Baseball
Thursday, 12 December 2024 16:28

SAN FRANCISCO -- Willy Adames wasted little time making one thing clear: He wants to play all 162 games for the San Francisco Giants.

So when introduced as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames looked to his left and gently put a hand on manager Bob Melvin's right shoulder, smiled and said, "if he lets me."

Melvin might not need much convincing, thrilled to suddenly have stability at a position that lacked continuity this year in his first season as skipper.

Adames didn't hesitate to also offer a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a few championships with the Giants just like the catcher-turned-executive did here.

Surrounded by his parents and other family and friends, Adames was formally introduced and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract - the first big, splashy move made by Posey since he became President of Baseball Operations in late September.

"There's no words to describe my feeling right now to be here in this beautiful city, I'm just so happy to be here," Adames said. "... This is a dream come true for me. I'm thrilled to be here, I'm so excited. Hopefully we can win a few championships like you did, and that's one of the main reasons I'm here."

Everyone who has encountered Adames so far can't wait for him to get to work as an example both on the diamond and in the clubhouse.

"He's a unique connector of people," Posey shared from Craig Counsell's description of the 29-year-old infielder from the Dominican Republic. "That really struck me because I think to win championships you have to have personalities like Willy that they're able to identify with everybody in the clubhouse, and that's not just players. I heard from multiple people that Willy treats everybody with the utmost respect. He plays with energy, he plays with joy and I know that our fans are just going to be thrilled to watch him compete on a daily basis."

Adames' deal marks the richest contract for San Francisco since Posey reached a $167 million, nine-year pact in 2013.

"I didn't know 'til it was done. I was like 'wow,'" Adames said.

From afar, Adames watched the legacy left by his hero Derek Jeter that went far beyond the baseball diamond.

And that's as important to Adames as playing all 162 after he appeared in 161 games last season for Milwaukee. He considers part of his role to help the young players learn "to be a professional" and lead a club that has missed the playoffs the past three years in winning the right way.

"For me that comes first, it comes first to be a great human being. I've got to thank my parents for that, they raised me the right way, to try to treat everybody the same, it doesn't matter what you're doing," Adames said. "I think that's something that I'm really proud of, just to be the same guy every day, to be kind, just to give love back to people because there's a lot of hate out there and I don't really like that."

The Giants know Adames' positive influence could go far.

Asked about the instability at shortstop, Melvin noted, "Well, it's not a problem now."

Adames gives the Giants a power bat and reliable defense at his position. This year for the Brewers, he produced his best offensive season in the big leagues, batting .251 with a career-high 32 home runs and 112 RBI.

"Look, every team wants a Willy Adames on their team. I think the thing that strikes me the most is when I'd watch him play a couple times a year on the other side was he never looked like he had a bad day," Melvin said. "It always looked like every day was opening day to him. That enthusiasm when your best players are like that - Matt Chapman is like that, too - it's easy for everybody to have to fall in and play in that type of style. It's easier said than done but really for me that's the thing that struck me most is how much he loved playing baseball."

Adames is close friends with former Giants third baseman Matt Duffy, who shared his own experiences being part of the San Francisco franchise.

It all became real when Adames pulled on his new cream-colored Giants jersey and buttoned it up, saying, "I'm a little nervous about this."

A few moments later, the cap went on his head and he felt right at home.

"It looks amazing."

Read 26 times

Soccer

With 2 goals, 2 assists, Salah sets new EPL mark

With 2 goals, 2 assists, Salah sets new EPL mark

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIf this is to be Mohamed Salah's final season at Liverpool, he is g...

Navas bids farewell in Sevilla defeat to Madrid

Navas bids farewell in Sevilla defeat to Madrid

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJesús Navas played the last LaLiga game of his 21-year career on Su...

Salah-inspired Liverpool beat Spurs in 6-3 thriller

Salah-inspired Liverpool beat Spurs in 6-3 thriller

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a dominant but chaotic 6-3 win a...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Knicks bringing back veteran guard Shamet

Knicks bringing back veteran guard Shamet

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe New York Knicks have agreed to a deal with guard Landry Shamet,...

Magic's Moritz Wagner out for year with torn ACL

Magic's Moritz Wagner out for year with torn ACL

EmailPrintOrlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and is out fo...

Baseball

Nationals land 1B Lowe in trade with Rangers

Nationals land 1B Lowe in trade with Rangers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Washington Nationals on Sunday acquired first baseman Nathaniel...

Sources: Manaea back to Mets for 3 years, $75M

Sources: Manaea back to Mets for 3 years, $75M

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLeft-hander Sean Manaea and the New York Mets are in agreement on a...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated