2007 San Francisco Giants Baseball Preview

The San Francisco Giants (76- 85) served up a 16 million dollar one-year deal to Barry Bonds and paid lefty Barry Zito more money than any other pitcher in history. Will either or both translate into a post-season appearance? We don't see it, and if the early baseball betting odds are any early indication, the pundits and bookmakers agree with us the Giants won't be playing in October.

This is a good staff with a new ace in the ultra-dependable Zito (16- 10, 3.83 ERA). RHP Matt Cain (13- 12, 4.15 ERA) had a fine year in 2006, while RHP Matt Morris (10- 15, 4.98 ERA) will attempt to rebound from an off-season. Noah Lowry (7- 10, 4.74 ERA) fought through an injury-plagued 2006. The fifth starting position is up in the air. The unpredictable Armando Benitez (4- 2, 3.52 ERA, 17 SV) contractually holds the closing spot. This is a tenuous situation at best. He’ll probably be traded, opening up the closer role to one of many young arms.

Centerfielder Dave Roberts (.292 AVG, 44 RBI, 2 HR, 49 SB) is a good leadoff man, while shortstop Omar Vizquel (.295 AVG, 58 RBI, 4 HR) is a sound second man up. First baseman Rich Aurila (.300 ERA, 70 RBI, 23 HR) and left fielder Barry Bonds (.270 AVG, 77 RBI, 26 HR) are a powerful three-four pairing. Second baseman Ray Durham (292 AVG, 93 RBI, 26 HR) adds even more offense.

Defensively, catcher Bengie Molina doesn’t have the arm he once did, but he’s a savvy presence. Vizquel, although aging, is a Gold Glover. Bonds is problematic in left and Roberts, although fast, is average in center. Randy Winn in right is questionable.

New manager Bruce Bochy did a fine job while at San Diego. He’s been in the NL West for over two decades as a player, coach and manager and knows the division well. Bochy is especially good with young pitchers.

There are a lot of question marks here. The primary one revolves around Bonds. He can still hit but he also still can’t field. Additionally, he’s got numerous health and publicity issues. It’s hard to say if this club will be focused on winning or the sideshow named Barry Bonds. This will be a tricky team to figure out, be sure to have expert baseball picks handicappers on your side if you decide to wager on the San Francisco Giants ball club this season.

Read more on the Giants other NL West division competitors like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies.

For more info on the Giants check out the MLB official page for San Francisco.