Looking ahead to 2009: San Francisco Giants

October 3, 8:02 PMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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By most accounts, the 2008 San Francisco Giants exceeded expectations.  The problem is, the expectations were abysmally low.  Facing their first season without Barry Bonds, the Giants spent most of the season in relative obscurity.  Management made somewhat of an effort to play young players, though years of neglecting the farm system left much to be desired in that area.

Veteran Bengie Molina played well behind the plate, and stepped into the middle of the order (seriously) to deliver 95 RBI.  His age (34) and the overall need for solid catching in MLB may make him a candidate to be dealt this offseason.  Pablo Sandoval hit well in limited playing time, but there are questions as to whether he can handle the position defensively every day.

The Giants face the possibility of having an entirely new starting infield in 2009.  Legendary shortstop Omar Vizquel is certainly gone, either to retirement, Japan, or another teams bench.  Rich Aurilia may be re-signed, but for a utility role.  The middle infield spots figure to be up for grabs between young players Emmanuel Burriss, Travis Denker, and Brian Bocock.  The Giants will likely sign a free agent to play either second base or shortstop.  Mark Grudzielanek, David Eckstein, or Cesar Izturis are all potential stopgap options.  The club could go the trade route for a starting third baseman – Joe Crede and Hank Blalock (assuming his option is picked up) should be available.  Otherwise it could be a mix of Aurilia and the young Ryan Rohlinger.  First base will likely be occupied by Sandoval (if he’s not behind the plate), or John Bowker, a rookie who started strong but tanked in the second half.

In the outfield, center fielder Aaron Rowand is the only sure starter.  Left fielder Dave Roberts was a non-factor in 2008, and right fielder Randy Winn figures to be highly sought after in a trade.  Fred Lewis hit decently in a part-time role, but no other young players impressed.  Nate Schierholtz has hit well in two stints with the big club, but for some reason continues to be passed over in favor of other players. 

The Giants starting rotation is a potential strength going into next season.  Matt Cain is a solid starter, and Tim Lincecum is a future perennial Cy Young candidate.  Jonathan Sanchez impressed at times as well.  Barry Zito has been a huge disappointment (possibly the worst contract ever), so he will have to regain some of his Cy Young form to truly solidify the rotation.

In the bullpen, Brian Wilson notched 41 saves in 2008 and made his first All-Star team, but finished with a 4.62 ERA.  Behind him, Japanese league veteran Keiichi Yabu and young lefty Alex Hinshaw were capable.  Former starter-turned closer-turned starter again Brad Hennessey was awful and will likely be non-tendered.  Lefty Jack Taschner could be dealt in the offseason, or the Giants could wait and flip him at the trade deadline where he will likely command a higher return.

When the Barry Bonds era ended after 2007, the Giants became a franchise without direction.  They still have many high priced and poor performing veterans on the payroll, and not many standout youngsters ready to step up.  To turn things around they will need to gradually rid themselves of the aged and underproductive, and see how the young players shake out after some extended playing time.