Guest writing for Chat Sport is Steven Robles, SFGiantsBaseball.net
The San Francisco Giants pitchers and catchers are reporting to Spring Training on February 18, and the position players will be reporting on February 23. The first full-squad workout will be on February 24.
San Francisco didn't go out spending a lot of money on free agents during the offseason to help bolster their sub-par 2011 offense. However, they still were able to make some additions to the lineup by subtracting from their pitching staff.
Giants GM Brian Sabean pulled the trigger on a deal that sent pitcher Jonathan Sanchez to the Royals for outfielder Melky Cabrera. Sabean wasn't done on the trade front. He also packaged fan favorite Andres Torres and relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez to the Mets for outfielder Angel Pagan.
The Giants had some key players go down in 2011. Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez both had their seasons cut short with season ending injuries. Both players are expected to be back and ready to go by the start of the 2012 season. Manager Bruce Bochy thinks getting Posey and Sanchez back is going to make the 2012 season better.
"I think were more athletic, were going to be a little faster. That's a dynamic that this club did not have last year. Now you got Pagan and Cabrera, it's going to be a little more pressure on the other clubs," Bochy on the teams improvements for 2012.
With Sanchez and Brandon Crawford penciled in as the starting double play combo. That means Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot and Emmanuel Burriss will be fighting for bench roles. You can't forget about Brandon Belt and Brett Pill who are already knocking on the door for starting roles.
The bullpen has lost one arm and that's due to the departure of Ramirez (traded). The Giants did add relief pitcher Clay Hensley via free agency, so it's looking like he will be the replacement.
The Giants will also have their top prospect outfielder Gary Brown in camp. Brown will not be fighting for a roster spot as the Giants are going to allow him to work his way up their minor league system. Don't be shocked if you see him in a Giants uniform as a September call up. Brown is expected to be the Giants future centerfielder as well as their leadoff hitter.
Some other notable players that you should be looking out for at Spring Training is infielder Angel Villalona (work visa approved), RHP Heath Hembree (could be a future closer), and infielder Joe Panik (Giants 2011 1st Round Pick).
Projected Starting Lineup
1. Angel Pagan, CF
2. Freddy Sanchez, 2B
3. Pablo Sandoval, 3B
4. Buster Posey, C
5. Aubrey Huff, 1B
6. Melky Cabrera, LF
7. Nate Schierholtz, RF
8. Brandon Crawford, SS
Projected Starting Rotation
1. Tim Lincecum, RHP
2. Matt Cain, RHP
3. Madison Bumgarner, LHP
4. Ryan Vogelsong, RHP
5. Barry Zito, LHP
Bullpen
Closer: Brian Wilson, RHP
Setup: Sergio Romo, RHP
Arrivals
Melky Cabrera (Trade)
Angel Pagan (Trade)
Ryan Theriot (Free Agent)
Clay Hensley (Free Agent)
Departures
Pat Burrell (Retirement)
Carlos Beltran (Free Agent)
Cody Ross (Free Agent)
Mark DeRosa (Free Agent)
Jeff Keppinger (Non-Tendered)
Andres Torres (Trade)
Ramon Ramirez (Trade)
Jonathan Sanchez (Trade)
Orlando Cabrera (Retired)
Don't forget to bring baseballs and pens if you're looking to get some autographs. It's a very fan friendly experience down at Scottsdale Stadium. You will also be able to snap some really good pictures of your favorite player!
Steven Robles runs SF Giants Rumors. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook
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