San Francisco Giants report
February 28, 2003
Latest Team Info
New year, new lineup. This year's Giants lineup (projected):
Ray Durham
Rich Aurilia
Jose Cruz
Barry Bonds
Edgardo Alfonzo
Marquis Grissom
JT Snow
Benito Santiago
The big question is whether or not the losses of Jeff Kent, Reggie Sanders, David Bell, and Russ Ortiz will hurt the Giants. Brian Sabean's response: change the offensive philosophy from massive power to unrelenting speed. He hired Felipe Alou, who loves the running game, and provided him the tools to run wild with Durham, Cruz, Grissom, and backup Neifi Perez.
Last year's biggest issue was the intentional walks to Bonds and the need for protection. Bond's new protector: Edgardo Alfonzo. He's not known as a power hitter, but then again...neither was Jeff Kent. Anyone remember Kent's numbers before Bonds? No? There's a reason why- they stank. Edgardo Alfonzo is already regarded as a terrific contact hitter and consistently puts up .300/.350obp years. You don't need much power to rack up RBI when Durham and Bonds are on base all the time. If Alfonzo put up numbers on a mediocre Mets offense, what would he do with Bonds in front of him...
Let the imagination run wild.
On the pitching front, Jason Schmidt begins the year healthy, Kirk Reuter is a lock for double digit wins, but the other spots are questions. Damian Moss had a good year, but will he repeat in his sophomore season? Livan Hernandez is locked up in a legal battle. Jesse Foppoert, Ryan Jensen, and Kurt Ainsworth all have a shot at the 5th spot.
Robb Nen and Jason Christiansen are coming off surgery, Tim Worrel is older, and Felix Rodriguez hopes to continue his hot 2nd half. How the pitchers fair will determine how far the Giants go in 2003.
Local Perspective
As mentioned earlier, Livan Hernandez is engaged in a lawsuit filed by a man who police claimed he assaulted with a golf club. Livan claims the man initiated the confrontation and is extorting him. Recent reports say Livan has been offered a plea bargain involving community service, $500 donation to charity, and anger management classes in return for dropping the charges. He will likely accept the offer and be ready for spring training.
Pedro Feliz, backup 3b, is having visa problems entering the US, and has less and less chance to make the team. At 26, he's no longer a top prospect, and if he's really 29, his potential for improvement is nearly gone.
The 5th starter battle shouldn't really be a battle, but coaches and management are saying Ryan Jensen still has a shot, despite top rookie Kurt Ainsworth having better stuff and better numbers in his time up here. Ainsworth will be the 5th starter barring unforeseen injuries or events. Jesse Fopport, baseball's top pitching prospect, has even better stuff than Ainsworth and theoretically could win the 5th spot, but the Giants would prefer he stay in AAA to gain more arm strength and seasoning.
Catcher Benito Santiago is unhappy with being penciled into the 8th spot, preferring to bat behind Bonds. Who wouldn't? He's also clamoring for a contract extension, but the Giants are better off letting him go. Backup Yorvit Torrealba will hit for less power but higher average, and play better defense and call a better game with the pitching staff- for the league minimum contract.
Rumor Mill
There are no impending trades, but finances dictate that the Giants deal about $5 in salary over the course of the season. Rich Aurilia and Felix Rodriguez are the most desireable Giants with about $4-3 million in contracts each.
Quick View
As the season hasn't started, this won't be an add/drop list, but a list of draft worthy players.
Draft (in order of priority):
3B Edgardo Alfonzo
2B Ray Durham (tie with Alfonzo)
SP Jason Schmidt
RP Robb Nen
SS Rich Aurilia
SP Kirk Reuter
OF Jose Cruz
SP Damian Moss
RP Felix Rodriguez
SP Kurt Ainsworth
Avoid (players you thought you could draft, but shouldn't):
SP Livan Hernandez
1B JT Snow
RP Tim Worrell
C Benito Santiago
