Bullies

I predicted that Taschner and Munter were going to be cornerstones of the bullpen for 2006 along with Jeremy Accardo. Look at me, I know nothing.

Bonds-Durham-Roberts-Aurilia-Winn-Feliz-Molina-Pitcher-Vizquel

Here is the worst lineup, which only pounds out 694.62 runs per season.

Pitcher-Feliz-Durham-Vizquel-Molina-Roberts-Winn-Bonds-Aurilia

vr, Xei

The most efficient relief pitcher of 2006 (Stanton) is gone. So it seems as though the pen is doomed for suckage again, right?Sanchez, Correia, Hennessey, Chulk, Wilson, and Sadler are all young and could impress. Or not. Linecum could close. At least Worrell is gone. Hard for Benitez to pitch worse- especially in his contract year. There will be some surprises, some disappointments, some injuries, and perhaps a trade or two.

ROTATION: B+

Let's look at 2006 basic numbers:

Schmidt- 11-9 3.59
Cain- 13-12, 4.15
Morris- 10-15, 4.98
Lowry 7-10, 4.74
Wright 6-10, 5.19

I firmly believe that every single spot in the rotation will improve- higher win totals and lower ERA, top to bottom.

Does anyone want to take the over-under that Zito wins more than 11? Lowry more than 7? Cain's ERA is lower than 4.15?
Linecum, Sanchez, or Ortiz stepping up could turn this
into an "A+" rotation, and the backbone of the team.

DEFENCE: B

"the defense..a shade than last year..."

2007 vs. 2006:

Molina > Alphonszo
Aurilia > Hillendbrand
Durham = Durham
Vizquel = Vizquel
Feliz = Feliz
Winn > Alou
Roberts > Finley
Bonds = Bonds

Yes, the old guys are all "a step slower," but Winn and Bonds are coming off injuries and should actually be healthier and better.

I'm not arguing the defence will be spectacular, just slightly better than how the Giants ended 2006.

OFFENCE: C+

As for the line-up- I would describe it as "solid, not spectucular." From top to bottom:

•  Roberts is the most exciting and well-suited lead-off hitter the Giants have had in a long time. Bochy knows how to maximize his platoon skills.
• Vizquel will probably decline, and might bounce between #2 and #7 slot.
• Love Aurilia, but Richie hitting third is pathetic. Should be Durham- much faster, way better OBP = more runs.
• Bonds, healthier and with everything to prove, could be much better than last year... (if he is with the Giants, that is!)
• Klesko could surprise- won't do worse than Hillendbrand in terms of OPS.
• Winn in the six hole could rebound nicely, off-setting any decline from Durham & Vizquel.
• Molina hitting seventh is an asset, not a liability.
• Feliz hitting 8th, dittto.

Bench should be much stronger than last year:

Linden > Finley
Alphonszo > Greene
Frandsden > Vizcaino
Sweeney = Sweeney (Greeney?),
Aurilia / Kelsko / Feliz

COACHING: C

Bochy is merely average, but Felipe was so awful at the end of last year, this looks to be an upgrade in bullpen management, tactical , player development, pitching changes, and general motivation and communication. The effort put forth by the players should be much better this year.

IN CONCLUSION

Do you think the Giants will be above .500 this year? I would put the "over-under" on the 2007 Giants (with Bonds) at an even .500 - 82 wins, 82 losses.

Personally, I would take the over. I think the Giants are going to win 86 games and take the West. Be warned: this is coming from Mr. Rainbows & Lollipops himself, who also thought the Giants had a shot the last two years. (Actually, they did- they just imploded during crucial stretches).

For 2007, I could see the Giants finishing in 3rd again, due to better divisional competition. But I definitely think the Giants will improve on last year's win total, to finish comfortably above .500. And hey, if someone steps up in the bullpen, if the rotation lives up to the hype, if Bonds smacks 30, if Winn and Klesko rebound, if, if, if. Hell, it's January. Hope springs eternal. If I can't be optimistic now, when?