What to expect for upcoming season

[EJS99]

Goal: Giants will continue with the youth movement and play .500 ball this season. By 2010, the Giants will be a playoff contender. Barring any trades, I expect some things for the Giants for the upcoming season:

1. This is a big year for Sandoval, Lewis, and Schierholtz. Last year, it was Bowker. 2009 season is Schierholtz's turn to audition. Giants had already talked to Rowand about resting more opening up more playing time for Nate. Schierholtz will given every opportunity to make his case to the Giants brass. The reaction of Sandoval and Lewis hitting in the RBI slots in Bochy's lineup has been mixed at best. Yeah, there's a lot of question marks but now would be the time to find out. Say they do manage to play .500 ball with Sandoval and Lewis, it will make things easier for the next offseason.

2. Expect Frandsen over Burris at second base. Barring injuries, I think the Giants would want Burris to continue his development at SS which probably means trips to Fresno. I see Frandsen and Renteria as place holders for Noonan and Burris until 2010.

4. Next offseason, I expect the Giants to aggressively pursue Adrian Beltre who'll fulfill that cleanup hitter role that the Giants need. With Sandoval's versatility, he can easily switch to first. I think Beltre is the ideal fit for the Giants. He plays steller defense and has pop. His whole career he has played in pitcher's parks and still manage to hit over 20 HRs. I would love to see the Giants sign both Beltre and Holliday but I think it's more wishful thinking on my part. Playing .500 ball and being in the weak NL West will make the Giants more attractive to someone like Beltre who could be the final piece to their puzzle.

5. Posey will be fast tracked to the majors this season depending on his progress eventually becoming the starting catcher in 2010.

6. Angel Villalona, Madison Bumgarner, Henry Sosa, Rafael Rodriguez, Conor Gillespie, Wendell Fairley are the future of the team. I expect the Giants to not rush their development and probably won't be ready until 2012.

7. If the Giants do not manage to sign Randy Johnson, Kevin Pucetas is the front runner for the 5th starter. This probably mean Sanchez won't be traded for a bat.

Potential lineup in 2010:

C - Buster Posey
1B - Pablo Sandoval
2B - Manny Burris
SS - Nick Noonan
3B - Adrian Beltre
LF - Fred Lewis
CF - Aaron Rowand
RF - Nate Schierholtz

1. Tim Lincecum
2. Matt Cain
3. Barry Zito
4. Jonathan Sanchez
5. Kevin Pucetas