"Odd year"

[radtech]

Three titles in five years takes a toll on all players especially pitchers and free agency also affects the ability to defend your title. Three long post seasons and the "odd years" the Giants seemed to miss the playoffs entirely should mean they depend more on their farm systems or build within.

The five free agents of importance: Pablo, Peavy, Romo, Morse, and Vogelsong, should be replaced with lower cost free agents or prospects. The Giants currently payroll would suggest they want to keep under the luxury tax.

Is 2015 a rebuilding year? No, I would say its a retooling year to see some of their younger guys can make that leap from fringe major leaguer to utility guy to starter. Case in point Matt Duffy and Adam Duvall could find themselves as replacements at third base. Duffy has the skillset to play shortstop but just got to the majors this year. Duvall is built more like a linebacker but could play a decent third but will need time to develop. Adding a lower tier free agent is also a possibility.

Hunter Strickland looks to be the heir apparent to Romo, who made over $6 million this year.

Duvall and Perez could platoon in left field. Duvall starts and gets replace by the more defensive Perez.

The starting pitching is somewhat solve in house by returning Lincecum to the rotation which would leave one spot open. The minors has Kyle Crick, Tyler Beede, Clayton Blackburn, Chris Stratton to name a few. Petit is also an in house option the Giants can turn to.

The point is long post season for MadBum and the Giants will reduce his innings from the previous years especially since the almost pitch 3 full games in the world series. 2015 is a retooling year to see if there is another "Joe Panik" or another "Tim Lincecum" waiting in the wings.