2. Cody Ross, Outfielder, San Francisco Giants
Outside of the dueling aces tandem of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, the Giants 2010 World Series roster read like an island of misfit toys. The Giants relied heavily on the bats of reclamation projects like Edgar Renteria, Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell to lead them to October glory. However, it was Cody Ross’ tale which was most jaw-dropping among the veteran heavy roster.
Ross was claimed off of waivers from the Florida Marlins in August and ended up batting only .238 for San Francisco during the regular season. But once the leaves changed colors, Ross’ bat heated up, as the former journeyman outfielder had a torrid month of October.
In Game 1 of the 2010 NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies, Ross took eventual Cy Young Winner Roy Hallday deep twice to power the Giants to a 1-0 Series lead. Ross’ powerful stroke carried over into Game 2, as he broke up a no-hitter in the fifth inning by sending a Roy Oswalt pitch over the left field fence of Citizens Bank Park. Ross slugged a gaudy .950 for the series to go along with a .350 batting average.
