At this point in the offseason, I don't think the Giants will be making any more free agent moves. They have spent all of the big money that they are going to spend, and will be looking to fill the remaining holes either internally, or through minor league free agents. With that being said, here's a break down of what the roster should look like:
Starting Pitchers:
1. Matt Cain- I don't see any reason why Matt Cain wouldn't be the opening day starter. He had an incredible season last year, and is one of the most consistent pitchers in the game. He be able to give the Giants another quality season at the top of the rotation.
2. Madison Bumgarner- Another great Giants pitcher who should only get better with more experience. At just 23 years old and already in his 3rd MLB season next year, expect him to make his first all star team next year.
3. Ryan Vogelsong- Although some may argue for Tim Lincecum in this spot, I think Vogelsong has earned it. He's not the most flashy pitcher, but he is consistent, and can be counted on to get the job done. Should be a really solid #3
4. Tim Lincecum- If Tim bounces back to where he once was, he would easily be #1 on this list. Unfortunately, until he proves that he can do more than just come out of the bullpen, he will stay at #4. It is said that he is working to bulk up and strengthen his arm which should help him to go deeper into games with more consistency. I expect him to go back to where he was, but he is definitely a big question mark going into spring training.
5. Barry Zito- I think Zito will finally be able to settle in and just pitch. He is in the last year of his contract, and San Francisco fans are much easier on him. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a little better next season, but he won't be much more than a #4 or #5 guy.
Starting Infield:
1st base: Brandon Belt- I think Belt will finally be comfortable next year. He has no competition going into spring and should be the starting first baseman. My guess is he will have somewhere around 15-20 home runs next season while hitting around .290.
2nd base: Marco Scutaro- Scutaro is a guy who was late to the Major Leagues, and has only gotten better with time. I Expect a solid season out of him being a #2 hitter. He probably won't be the hitter he was at the end of last season, but he should be solid.
Short Stop: Brandon Crawford- Crawford is an elite defender who shouldn't have to do too much at the plate to be worth giving the starting job to. I see him turning into a solid line drive hitter with some gap power that should hit around .250-.260
3rd Base: Pablo Sandoval- Pablo is a guy with huge potential who has always had trouble being consistent. I see him breaking out next year, if he can keep his weight down. If he can't. I wouldn't be surprised to see him sent to another team for prospects.
Catcher: Buster Posey- I see Posey competing for the MVP award for many more years. He had an incredible groove going in the second half, and is still very young. Should be the starting catcher for many more years.
Starting Outfield:
Right Field: Hunter Pence- He could be a real asset if he bounces back. I think the stress of trying to compensate for the absence of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard got to him in Philadelphia. Now after having time to adjust to another new team, and being in a contract year, I see him going back closer to his career numbers.
Center Field: Angel Pagan- Many people have said that Pagan just had a career year in 2012 and will probably not be able to repeat next season. This is not very accurate, because he arguably had a better season in 2010, and his numbers last season were not far from his career numbers. Pagan should be a consistent performer at the top of the lineup next season.
Left field: Roger Kieschnick- Now I know that most would disagree with this, but I really feel that Kieschnick should be able to win the starting left field next season. He really had a groove going last season, and was destined for a call up before his injury. The Giants are in need of more power, and I see Kieschnick getting that opportunity.
Bullpen:
Sergio Romo, Santiago Casilla, Jeremy Affeldt, Jose Mijares, Javier Lopez, George Kontos.
I wouldn't be shocked to see Casilla traded eventually to make room for Bochy or Hembree, and to save a little money. No real surprises here, it should be a very solid bullpen.
Bench: Joaquin Arias, Nick Noonan, Andres Torres, Gregor Blanco, Hector Sanchez, Francisco Peguero.
I see Brandon Belt being a solid first baseman, and on the days he isn't playing, Posey will be, so Brett pill may need to learn a new position to get a bench spot. Otherwise the only surprise on here is Nick Noonan. The Giants may want to keep him at Triple-A for another season so that he can start, but he is definitely ready for a bench role.
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