Key Additions- Aubrey Huff, Mark DeRosa
Key Losses- Randy Johnson, Randy Winn
Overview-
The 2010 will settle the debate whether or not a dominating rotation with medicore lineup can lead a team to the playoffs or not. Lets face it, the Giants have a dominating rotation no question. The top three starters rival any three in baseball. The question for 2010 won't be how many runs will the Giants give up, it is how many runs can this lineup score. If they can match or better their run total from last year look for this team to contend for the division crown. That's a big IF. Their lineup is not very good and as much as Giants fans try to convince you otherwise, tell them their number three hitter is Aaron Rowand and that should quiet them immediatley. Then when they tell you Aubrey Huff is going to have a career year, ask them who Aubrey Huff is. With that being said, Giants fans can brag about a certain individual that actually can smash....Pablo Sandoval. Dude can play and as long as he's healthy and in their lineup everyday, with their pitching staff , this team will make some noise in the National League.
Infield-
The infield is anchored by its catcher Benji Molina, who is known primarily for his defense and leadership ability, however Molina did belt 20 home runs and smacked in 80 runs last season. The Giants will need that kind of production from its veteran backstop again this year. Asbeforementioned Aubrey Huff will look to prove his offseason signing worth at first base this season, while Freddy Sanchez will play second base and most likely bat leadoff for the Giants. Savvy veteran Edgar Renteraria will lock down the shortstop position as he has done for so many years, but a drop in average from .332 to .270 to .250 the past few seasons has to be of concern for the team. Lastly, Kung Fu Panda aka Pablo Sandoval will assume the role at third base. He will try to quiet his critics as a defensive liability and continue to drive opposing pitchers crazy with his approach at the plate. The truth is in his first full season he hit .330 drove in 90 runs and hit 25 home runs. The infield as a whole have a nice mix of vets and youngsters, but all have to put up career years to carry the lineup.
Outfield-
The Giants outfield may be the worst offensively in the division. Although I respect the way Aaron Rowand plays the game, he is not the hitter he used to be. In fact, after hitting .265 last season with 64 RBI's, he's not even a guy opposing pitchers think twice about. Mark DeRosa, the big offseason acquisition, is a serviceable major leaguer. He did hit a career high 23 home runs last season, but the 35 year old is hardly the left fielder the Giants were so used to having in the middle of their lineup for so many years. The outfield is rounded out with Nick Shierholtz in right field. The lefty showed gimpses in 2009, but I really don't see him as anything more than a number 7 hitter in the majors. So, you can see why Giants fans should be worried about their outfield come 2010. The group does play hard and above average defense, but those are hardly qualities that will take a team to the next level.
Starting Pitching-
Tim Lincecum may be the best pitcher in baseball. Appearantly marijuana isn't as bad for you as many may think. He is a two time Cy Young award winner and continues to improve. Look for him to at least contend for the award again this year. Matt Cain is good, real good. If the hard throwing righty can stay healthy put his name in the mix for the Cy Young award this year as well. His potential is through the roof, but it has been for three years now. The Giants need him to maximize that and if he does, look out. Barry Zito is not the man he once was, everyone knows it, including him. However he is a savvy lefty who wants the ball, will eat up innings and occasionaly throw a three hit shutout type performance. That is far more than most teams number three pitcher can offer. Johnathan Sanchez is looking to build off a strong spring and look to lower his ERA this season as he has the past two. The only thing that will stop this group from being the best in the division is health.
Relief Pitching-
With starting pitching like this team has even a mediocre bullpen would probably make any manager happy. Luckily this team has a pretty good bullpen. Jeremy Affeldt and Sergio Romo make up a good lefty righty combo late in games. Brian Wilson is an All Star closer. I expect him to have around 40 saves again this season.
Projection-
Look for the Giants pitching to carry them again this season. As I stated before, if their lineup can perform above expectations this team has a shot at the division crown. Unfortunately I just don't think they are capable, but a wild card spot is certainly achievable.. Bruce Bochy, the veteran skipper, may need that wildcard spot to maintain his position with the club. So look for the team to rally around their leader and get to the postseason.
Projected record: 87-73 2nd place NL West.
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