By Stephen Dorian Miner

March 28, 2008

The San Francisco Giants welcomed the press to the team’s annual “Media Open House” Wednesday at AT&T Park.

The media was provided a sneak peak at the organization’s plans for 2008 including the ballpark’s new features, and a chance to sample food from concession stands.

The Giants showcased their two new group suites, The Legends Club and McCovey Cove Loft. The club sits in left field at the club level, can accommodate 120 people and features retractable glass windows and an outdoor patio. The ‘loft’ sits on its own ‘porch,’ just above right field and can be entered through the park or via a private entrance on the promenade, and will have a capacity of about 40.

The soon to be finished Legends Club at AT&T Park

The view from the soon to be finished McCovey Cove Loft at AT&T Park.

The Giants will be celebrating their 50th anniversary playing in San Francisco this year and unveiled a series of events that will be held throughout the season featuring players from the 1958 team. The team will also unveil a plaque on the anniversary of the first game played here – April 15 – at the site of their original ballpark, Seals Stadium, now a park near 16th and Bryant Streets.

There are low expectations for the team’s performance on the field this year with General Manager Brian Sabean making only one significant off-season move with the signing of free-agent centerfielder Aaron Rowand.

Giants General Manager Brian Sabean

While Rowand is a superior defender and will add some pop to their line up, the Giants, after cutting ties with slugger Barry Bonds, will likely struggle to score runs.

The starting rotation is strong, however, and the team is edging towards a ‘youth movement,’ giving some the teams youngest players opportunities to play at the major league level.

“In the off-season, (manager) Bruce Bochy talked quite a bit about a new brand of baseball,” Executive Vice President Larry Baer stated. “He wants the team to play hard-nosed baseball. With young players, he believes this will be possible.”

Giants Executive Vice President Larry Baer

The Giants play their 2008 league home opener April 7. Fans can watch the season opener March 31 on the big screen at AT&T Park for free when the Giants face the Dodgers in Los Angeles.