The San Francisco Giants made their final roster moves, with some surprises, heading in to Tuesday’s opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. 

In trimming back to the final 25, the team decided to go with a 12 man pitching staff, designating Luis Perdomo for assignment while purchasing the contract of Brandon Medders from AAA Fresno.  As Perdomo is a Rule 5 pickup, they will have to offer him back to the St. Louis Cardinals since he’s not remaining on the 25 man roster.  More on that as it develops. 

In other moves, the Giants optioned catcher Steve Holm to Fresno, leaving them with just one full time catcher in Benjie Molina.  Third baseman Pablo Sandoval will moonlight as a backup backstop until later in the season (probably right after the first month, which is laden with off days, and at which time the Giants will have a little better idea of the type of team that they are fielding), when Holm is expected to be recalled.  Relief pitcher Justin Miller was reassigned to minor league camp.  Expect him back some time this season.  Also, the contracts of Juan Uribe and Rich Aurilia were purchased from Fresno.  Both veterans will start the season on the Giants roster.  Finally, pitcher Noah Lowry and reliever Sergio Romo will both open the season on the 15 day disabled list. 

The 2009 San Francisco Giants opening day roster is as follows:

Starting Rotation: Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Randy Johnson, Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito.

Bullpen: Alex Hinshaw, Bob Howry,  Joseph Martinez, Brandon Medders,  Merkin Valdez, Brian Wilson, Jeremy Affeldt,

Starters:

C: Benjie Molina.

1B:  Travis Ishikawa

2B:  Emmanuel Burriss

SS:  Edgar Renteria

3B:  Pablo Sandoval

RF:  Randy Winn

CF:  Aaron Rowand

LF:  Fred Lewis

Bench: Rich Aurilia (IF), Juan Uribe (IF), Eugenio Velez (UT), Nate Schierholtz (OF), Andres Torres (OF)

Without a doubt, the most exciting jewel in the crown of the 2009 San Francisco Giants has to be their starting five (but then, being a huge pitching guy, I’ve been saying that since the days of Rueter and Estes).  However, I think that this year, I might be on to something.  Take a look at the rotation and tell me I’m wrong. 

First things first, number one is Mr. Cy Young himself, The Freak, Tim Lincecum.  What can be said?  What needs to be said?  He’s awesome.  If he can be 80% as good (and by saying that, don’t take at all that I feel he’s in decline) as he was last year, he’d be the #1 for any staff in baseball.  He’s young and had an awesome spring training.  Great things can be expected when he gets the ball.

Number two will be Matt Cain.  I feel that he finally has the offense to back up his wonderful pitching.  I’m going to call my shot and say that if the Cy Young stays with the team this season that he’s going to be the guy to get it.  I think he’s that good.  A penchant for giving up gopher balls and an inefficienct pitch counts are the only things keeping Cain from the heights that Lincecum achieved last year.   Judging from his spring, I think that he’s figured out the pitch counts problem.  We’ll see how it goes with the home runs.  Again, I say that ‘09 will be this guy’s year to shine. 

In the number three spot is new free agent acquisition Randy Johnson.  This brilliant pick up should only serve to better impact the staff both directly and indirectly.  With his spring training, Johnson was practically lights out.  We know what we’re getting with this one.  This is Johnson of 2009, not 1999 (nor the not quite Cy Young caliber 1989 model, thankfully).  That means, he’s older and has lost a few digits on the fastball.  However, he’s still nasty and in this, his swan song, no doubt wants to go out with a bang.  Provided his injuries stay away, look for him to be an exceptional #3.  Also look for him to lift younger pitchers such as Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain in the role of mentor.  The staff will only be better with Johnson on the team.

For the number four, we have our $16 million dollar man, Barry Zito.  Remember when this was a big offseason pickup?  Okay, I’ll go easy on the guy.  He no longer generates the same excitement that he did in the last two seasons (shocked?).  However, he’s pitched well at times in the spring and perhaps he’s turning the corner and finding a comfort zone with the team.  I like to take heart in that, though he started off 0-8 last season, he finished 10-17.  Therefore, after that abysmal beginning, he was 10-9 the rest of the way.  Not bad for a #4.  But then, I digress.

Bringing up the rear of the rotation will be southpaw Jonathan Sanchez.  He electrified and excited at times last season but ran out of gas some time in July (not to mention he got a stint on the DL).  That’s a stamina thing.  This year, he should be ready to pitch a full season.  What he’s shown at times has been incredible.  If he lives up to expectations, this should prove to be a good ‘no move’ by the team when they decided not to trade him in the offseason. 

I was originally hoping that Noah Lowry would assume the number five position this season but, alas, he was again beset by injuries and didn’t throw in spring training.   I like this guy and would very much like to see him back with the team.  However, nothing should be counted on at this time.  He has an option left and perhaps could work out the situation in Fresno.  Lest we forget the last time that a pitcher was injured this much was Rob Nen.  He never pitched again and the Giants finally a closer last season.  We don’t need the equivalent of Matt Herges and Tim Worrell in the rotation as we wait for Lowry to get well.  If and when he comes back, perhaps the role of long reliever might suit him. 

Should any of the starting five have to spend a stint on the shelf, there are some young guns who can step up and be inserted (aka, this year’s Matt Palmer).  Kevin Pucetas tops this list, though he wasn’t exactly sharp in spring training.  Joseph Martinez is another name that we might get to know (though I think he would be better suited in the bullpen).  Another is Jesse English (he did have a solid 2008).   Many are clamoring for Henry Sosa to get a look but last year wasn’t great for him and he definitely needs more time in the little leagues.

The names you won’t (and shouldn’t) be seeing in the rotation (even as fill-ins) this season are either ‘no ways’ or ‘not yets’.  Leading the former category is Ramon Ortiz (why was he signed and can we get rid of him yet?).  Second is Pat Misch.  Misch is nice but proved himself unready to start at the major league level last season.  His spring wasn’t mind blowing, either.  The ’not yets’ are two young studs who shall get all the time they need to develop.  If you don’t know their names (and how can you not?), they are Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson.  Alderson got boxed around a little in the spring training and doesn’t need that same thing happening when it counts (at least not at this time).  With Bumgarner, perhaps his performance in the spring will get the front office salivating to bring him up.  They should control this urge and, unless he’s absolutely putting up numbers such as Lincecum did in the minors in 2007 (look them up….they were quite impressive), he should spend the year learning his craft and looking forward to 2010.   

With General Manager Brian Sabean stating that second year player Emmanuel Burris ‘won the job outright’, the Giants optioned Kevin Frandsen to AAA Fresno, ending the heated competition for second base.  A favorite with both fans and teammates, Frandsen, who missed most of 2008 with an achilles injury, will probably serve in a multipurpose role for the Grizzlies, moving around the infield to fill needs. 

It had been widely expected that the loser of the competition would remain on the Giants in the capacity of a backup.  The move all but guarantees that veterans Rich Aurilia and Juan Uribe will both remain on the club going into the season.   However, keeping in mind the situation the Giants had in 2008 when Eugenio Velez fizzled coming out of camp, it’s safe to think Frandsen will be back sometime this season.  However, should Burriss excel, perhaps look for the Giants to eventually try to trade Frandsen.  It won’t be too hard to find a taker for his hard nosed style of play.  

In other moves, the Giants reassigned slugging phenom Jesus Guzman to minor league camp, citing his need to find a defensive position.   I can’t imagine he won’t be back with the big league club at some time.

Hours after acquiring catcher Ronny Paulino from the Philadelphia Phillies for Jack Taschner, the San Francisco Giants traded him to the Florida Marlins in exchange for right-handed minor leaguer Hector Correa.  Correa, who has worked primarily as a starter over parts of three seasons, has compiled a record of 7-8 in that time with an equally unimpressive ERA of 4.52 in that time.  Rumor from the Giants front office is that Correa has potential upside.  Didn’t we hear that same thing about Vinnie Chulk and Randy Messenger (and myriad others)?   That and a dollar will buy you a cup of coffee.  We’ll see how this plays out.

Personally, I can’t imagine that this move will have a significant impact on the Giants.  However, it does improve the chances of Steve Holm of making the opening day roster (barring either a free agent pick up or the front office deciding that Buster Posey is ready to play at the major league level). 

The San Francisco Giants pulled the trigger on a long rumored deal by sending inconsistent left-handed reliever Jack Taschner to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for catcher Ronny Paulino. 

Paulino, who was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Phillies in December 2008, is expected to compete with Steve Holm to be the Giants backup catcher. 

Taschner had spent all ten seasons of his professional career with the Giants organization. 

This move will free up some of the logjam in the bullpen as Taschner, who signed a new contract in the offseason, was expected to be a lock as a left handed reliever.  Basically, this means that the Jeremy Affeldt signing equals a straight replacement of Taschner in the bullpen. 

Giants minor league relief pitcher Kelvin Pichardo received a 50-day suspension Monday for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.  Pichardo, whose suspension will begin at the start of the regular season, was optioned to AAA Fresno on March 5. 

The Giants issued the following statement:

“The Giants were disappointed to learn that one of our players, Kelvin Pichardo, has failed a test for a performance enhancing drug. Our organization fully supports Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

“As an organization, we will continue to work with our players, Major League Baseball and the Players Association to do everything we can to eliminate these performance enhancing substances from our game.

“We will continue to provide Pichardo with the necessary support and counsel during his suspension.”

With the release of Dave Roberts (coupled with the team not signing Manny Ramirez in the off-season), the log jam in the outfield has been cleared up a bit.  However, aside from some spells of Eugenio Velez on the lawn, there are still four potential starters for three spots. 

In left field roams Fred Lewis.  I love this guy.  His bunion concerns seem to be cleared up and he’ll should be close to 100% for the season.  Also, it looks like he’ll be batting 3, which can only serve to help his numbers.  Leading off for the majority of last season stifled him a bit (though the 21 steals, 11 triples, and 81 runs scored were very nice).  While he’s a ravenous first pitch hitter, leading off requires taking pitches.   However, let’s not forget that the Pirates used to hit the Giants previous left fielder in the leadoff spot in 1986 and he did quite well when dropped down in the order.  Just sayin’.  Hitting 3 should help Lewis in 2009.

In center is the $12 million dollar man, Aaron Rowand.  2008 wasn’t exactly a great season for Rowand.  He got off to a fast start and then tailed off appreciably as the summer wore on.  Also, his defense wasn’t as incredible as the Giants were counting on.  If I sound like I’m not a huge fan hey, $12 million SHOULD buy .300, 25, 120.  The Giants didn’t get an wonderful return on investment last season.  I can’t claim that 2009 will be better, but it couldn’t hurt.

Right field is the the territory of Randy Winn.  He’s hit .300 each of the last two seasons and is a solid player and team leader.  In 2008, he helped with speed, too (25 steals with only twice being caught and 84 runs scored).   So far this spring, he’s been leading off consistently (and performing poorly in doing so).  If he can get his game together, he’ll be a good, if not spectacular, contributer in 2009.  If not, then perhaps it’s time for a changing of the guard.

Said change would be found in Nate Schierholtz.  This guy has murdered pitching wherever he’s wielded a bat (minor leagues, major leagues, and olympics).  He’s recorded back to back .300 seasons in limited major league action and is probably ready to be the starter in right.  However, right now he’ll have to bide his time.  As the fourth outfielder, he’ll get his share of at bats and a good chance to prove his worth.  He missed some time in the spring training with a tweaked back.  Hopefully, that’s behind him and exciting things are to come from Schierholtz.  Even as the fourth outfielder, he’s still incredibly more lethal than either Dave Roberts or Rajai Davis.  Something to look forward to. 

It’s also important to note that non-roster invitee veteran Andres Torres is making a push for a spot on the major league club.  He’s been playing well and leads the Cactus League in runs scored, thus far.  However, his age (31) might work against him.  Also, as a runner, the spot he’s gunning for might well be the one that appears to belong to Velez, who has proven himself to be a more adept hitter.  However, the Giant management seems to have a warm spot for veterans.  As a result, he might get to bring his cleats to AT&T park when the team opens the season.  If that happens, look for either Velez or Burriss to get a ticket to Fresno.  However, Torres will still have to prove himself, regardless.  It’s not his job to lose (or at least, shouldn’t be).   

Lurking behind the plate (and the mask) for the 2009 Giants is a stalwart presence with youth echoing on the horizon.   Both should serve to excite this season. 

In charge of the Giants pitching staff will be the veteran hitting machine Bengie Molina.  In addition to handling the pitching staff well, Molina improved his defense in 2008, lowering his passed balls from 16 to 5 while throwing out 35% of potential base stealers (a respectable amount).  Molina is one of the key team leaders for 2009.  His seeming immobility, while an asset for blocking the plate, tends to be a detriment on the basepaths.  For this reason, perhaps batting cleanup is a bit high for Molina and he should be dropped in the order to either 6 or 7. 

When Molina needs a rest, Steve Holm will serve as backup, for now.  It’s no secret that, as a rookie, he didn’t exactly dazzle (21 of 23 base stealers got away with their crimes on his watch).  However, if that’s what they have, then that’s what they have.

Perhaps the Giants would be better suited to give third baseman Pablo Sandoval a few repetitions behind the plate.  He is naturally a catcher and nailed 3 of 10 stealers in 2008.   However, if he continues to excel at third base, perhaps it’s best to save his knees and leave him there.

The elephant in the room which we have yet to discuss is the youngster, Buster Posey.  He’s having a noteworthy spring and perhaps could get a call up later in the season if he is effective in his first minor league season.  However, it would probably do him a disservice to start the year in the bay area to sit on a major league bench while minor league starts are given to others.  Again, repetition is the key here.  2010 will probably be his year to blossom, but don’t be surprised to see him in the orange and black in 2009, if only for a cup of coffee. 

Some rumors have the Giants looking to trade or sign for a veteran backup backstop this season.  I think that could very well be a mistake (barring injury to Molina).  However, ya’ never know what you are going to find when you go bargain hunting.  We’ll see how it plays itself out.

In a move echoing their commitment to a youth movement, the San Francisco Giants released veteran outfielder Dave Roberts, parting ways with a player whose tenure with the team could be described as underwhelming, at best.  Since signing a three year, $18 million contract with the Giants prior to the 2007 season, Roberts has spent substantial time on the disabled list and has never been the table setter originally envisioned by the Giant brass.   His release signals a vote of confidence for Nate Schierholtz and suggests that the Giants are serious about giving the talented young player a serious look as their number four outfielder in 2009.   The Giants are still obligated to pay Roberts contract for 2009, however. 

In other moves, relief pitchers Keiichi Yabu and Kelvin Pichardo were both optioned to AAA Fresno.  Yabu played a significant role in the Giants bullpen in 2008, appearing in 60 games. 

The hot corner for the Giants seems set in stone with second year hit master Pablo Sandoval manning the leather.  Unfortunately, this might be one of the biggest concerns for the Giants as well. 

Sandoval is a hitter.  He swings at and seems to hit almost everything thrown his way.  This is a bat that must get into the lineup, no matter what.  However, the only position that is currently open is that of third base.  No matter, as Sandoval seems to have taken to the position (as he has to any he’s been asked to play) very well.  However, third base requires mobility and Sandoval isn’t the world’s most spry of characters.  If this proves problematic, he’ll probably move across the diamond to first base. 

Should Sandoval need to move, there are several posibilities that the Giants could explore at third base. 

The first and most obvious are either Rich Aurilia or Juan Uribe, two veterans picked up in the offseason.  Either could give solid, if not horribly spectacular, play at the corner. 

Another possibility is rule 5 pickup Jesus Guzman who, this last winter, tore up the Venezuelan league, setting a mark for RBI and being named Overall Offensive Performer of the year for that league.  He has some pop in his stick and is a natural third baseman.  He’s one to keep in mind, should Sandoval not be able to hold up.

Ryan Rohlinger is another option for the Giants.  However, he hit atrocious in 21 major league games in 2008.  This is an option that perhaps shouldn’t be explored.

The final alternative is Conor Gillaspie, the eventual heir apparent at third base.  While this might pique the interest of some orange and black faithful, the kid isn’t yet shaving.  He has less than 30 games at a professional level and I have no idea why he was with the big league club late last year.  Gillaspie needs minor league seasoning.  The last thing he needs is to be tossed into the fire at this early point in his career.

While the Giants have several alternatives, they’d be best suited if Pablo Sandoval plays adequately at the hot corner in 2009.  Of course, it could be worse.  They might still have Jose Castillo at third.  *shudder*  Learn the position, Pablo.  Please.