In an effort to get every preview done by the season opener, you may notice that some of the team previews will be of the shorter variety. With some of the “extra information” not included, this should make for an easier read. Enjoy!
Key Additions: Randy Johnson, Edgar Renteria, Jeremy Affeldt, Bob Howry, Rich Aurilia, Juan Uribe
Key Subtractions: Dave Roberts, Omar Vizquel
A look at the lineup:
CA – Bengie Molina will return as the catcher and is expected to hit cleanup. Stephen Holm will be the backup and Pablo Sandoval could also see some action when not manning the hot corner.
1B – Travis Ishikawa is expected to get a majority of the work at first base. He will bat in the bottom third of the order and will be pressed for time from Rich Aurilia and John Bowker.
2B – Emmanuel Burriss has hit the lights out this Spring and will likely win the battle for the second baseman job. He will hit eighth. Kevin Frandsen is in the mix for the starting job and, along with Eugenio Velez, will see work as the backup.
SS – Edgar Renteria’s fourth stint with a National League club will be as the starting shortstop and two-hitter for the Giants. Renteria made a name for himself with Florida and St. Louis before struggling in Boston. He was then traded to Atlanta, where he excelled, but struggled with Detroit last season before signing with San Francisco this past offseason. Juan Uribe and Burriss could also see work at shortstop.
3B – Pablo Sandoval can play several positions, but will be called upon to man third base for a majority of the team’s games in 2009 and is expected to hit third. When he is catching or getting a break, Aurilia and Uribe will see some action.
LF – Fred Lewis will get the majority of his playing time as the top option in left field. He is expected to protect Molina as the five hitter. Nate Schierholtz will be the top reserve, with Velez and Bowker also likely to see some time.
CF – Aaron Rowand returns to center field and will hit sixth. Lewis could also see some time out in center and Velez is likely to get a few tries as well.
RF – Randy Winn was solid at the top of the order in 2008 and will get another shot this season. Backing him up will be Schierholtz and Bowker.
A look at the pitching:
Starters – Reigning National League Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum heads what should be a very intimidating rotation. Matt Cain should only improve on a respectable 2008 campaign, while Randy Johnson was brought in to add some firepower. No one really knows what to expect from Barry Zito, but the pressure of carrying the “ace” tag is no longer on his shoulders. Jonathan Sanchez returns as the fifth starter. Noah Lowry, Patrick Misch, and Joe Martinez would be the top options for a spot start or two.
Relievers – Brian Wilson returns as the closer and will be part of what should be a respectable bullpen. Bob Howry and Jeremy Affeldt were brought in to provide reliable arms in the late innings. They join a bullpen that will likely also include Sergio Romo, Jack Taschner, Alex Hinshaw, Luis Perdomo, Osiris Matos, and Merkin Valdez.
Outlook:
Don’t sleep on the Giants in 2009. They won’t make a Rays-like turnaround, but they could be a surprise contender for the NL West division title. They are not as good as the Dodgers, but match up pretty well with the division’s other teams. The offense is young and relatively balanced and the pitching staff is pretty impressive.
Prediction:
The Giants will improve on their 72-win season last year, but will fall short of the playoffs with a record of 80-82.
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