30 Teams in 30 Days: San Francisco Giants

If ever a team were built to win now, it would be the 2005 San Francisco Giants. Of all the position players on the roster, only two are under the age of 30 (Pedro Feliz 29, and Yorvit Torrealba 26). The average age on the Giants starting lineup is 36. If they can stay healthy, this could be a very dangerous team.
The Giants three biggest needs on offense were addressed in the off season. They upgraded at catcher by bringing in Mike Matheny and letting A.J. Pierzynski. Matheny is a very good clutch hitter, but his strength lies in defense and calling a game. He will undoubtedly do wonders for Jason Schmidt and Kirk Rueter, but more importantly for young Jerome Williams and Noah Lowry.

Another need addressed was the shortstop position. Devi Cruz got a lot of playing time there last year, and performed admirably, but Cruz is a guy better suited to be a utility guy. Looking to upgrade mainly defense, the Giants inked former Mariner and Indian Omar Vizquel. Vizquel still can be a very dangerous two hitter and is still a gold glove caliber fielder who will fit in nicely with this veteran club.

The last spot addressed was right field. For years the Giants relied on guys like Michael Tucker, Dustan Mohr and Jose Cruz Jr. The Giants now have another veteran guy in Moises Alou. Alou continues to put up very solid numbers offensively, and will finally give Barry Bonds someone in the lineup to take pressure off of him. Something the Giants haven’t had since they lost Jeff Kent.

Rounding out the starters are Ray Durham at second, Edgardo Alfonzo at third, J.T. Snow and Pedro Feliz platooning at first, and Marquis Grissom. Michael Tucker is the fourth outfielder and may essentially become an everyday player by frequently relieving Bonds, Grissom and Alou. Devi Cruz and Feliz will serve as the utility infielders and Yorvit Torrealba will be the backup catcher.

The pitching staff looks much the same as it did a year ago. Jason Schmidt is back as the staff ace, and Kirk Rueter is the second man on the staff. Brett Tomko and youngsters Noah Lowry and Jerome Williams round out the staff. Brad Hennessy will probably begin the season in AAA, but will have a shot to crack the rotation as well. In the bullpen, former Brewers Wayne Franklin and Matt Kinney will compete with Jeff Fassero and Brandon Puffer for the long relief spots. Tyler Walker, Jim Brower, Jason Christiansen, David Aardsma, Scott Eyre, Jeremy Fikac, Al Levine, Armando Almanza and last years closer Matt Herges will all be in competition for probably five set up jobs.

After going without Rob Nen last year and relying on young Matt Herges, the Giants now have a proven closer in Armando Benitez. In Florida last year, Benitez appeared in 69 innings, striking out 62 batters and compiling an era of just 1.29. He earned 47 saves and went 2-2, making a serious improvement on his past few years. By all accounts, Benitez has looked great in the spring, and could have one of the better years of any reliever this year.

5 Burning Questions

Much like I did with the Diamondbacks, I am going to combine all five into one here again.

5-1. Can the Giants stay healthy?
This is a very old team (average age 36) and unless Pedro Feliz beats out J.T. Snow, every position player will be older than 30. The outfield is a huge question. Michael Tucker, Barry Bonds, Moises Alou and Marquis Grissom are 33, 40, 38 and 37 collectively.

Fearless Predictions

Pedro Feliz will beat out J.T. Snow for the first base job.
Barry Bonds will win the MVP and break Hank Aaron’s home run record this year.
Jason Schmidt will have another Cy Young type of season.
Armando Benitez will get the most saves in baseball.
The Giants will win the NL West