Saltzman Says...Answering Giants Questions

First and foremost
1. Matt Cain signed long term is priority #1 because he will be a free agent after this year.

Short term, Long term, The Freak is staying.
2. Tim Lincecum prefers short term deals, but the Giants would like to sign him long term if possible.

If we can only keep one lefty...
3. Jeremy Affeldt will be re-signed even if his option isn't picked up, in case Javier Lopez is too expensive to re-sign.

Too expensive to keep?:
4. Javier Lopez and Carlos Beltran will probably be offered more years/money than the Giants would like to spend.

Buster is still our catcher, but...
5. Buster Posey will be our starting catcher, but after him is another story.  Chris Stewart is the most likely to return with an outside chance Eli Whiteside could remain the backup.  Hector Sanchez should begin 2012 in the minors, so the question will be if the Giants go get a catcher in the open market to backup Posey.

Logjam at 2nd will get clearer.
6. Freddy Sanchez healthy is an oxymoron to Giants fans, but when he is, there is no issues at 2nd.  Will Jeff Keppinger be kept as insurance, or will he find an every day job somewhere else.  Manny Burriss has a better glove and Mike Fontenot's lefty bat are intriguing, but who stays is anyone's guess.  Even Conor Gillaspie will get a look next year.

Put down the cookies Panda! Put down the beer and cigarettes Huff Daddy!
7. Aubrey Huff and Pablo Sandoval's conditioning is the biggest offensive question marks of the players returning.

Brandons not Ready for Prime Time.
8. Both Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford are having problems with their swing, and both could use some more minor league seasoning if possible.

Nate still Great, but the rest of the outfield...
9. Nate Schierholtz is the 2012 starting right fielder barring an upgrade or a fall off at the plate.  Neither Andres Torres, Justin Christian or Cody Ross seem like options to start 2012 in CF, so the question becomes who will.  Gary Brown is not ready and might not be until 2013.  Even if he is ready sooner, the team will not go into Spring Training with Torres and Ross only as options.  Torres and Ross might not even be brought back, but if they are, it will be to compete for the 4th or 5th outfield spot.  Pat Burrell has said he will only return to SF if he does come back in 2012, and Darren Ford doesn't have the bat to go with his legs.

Saltzman Says...Rowand and Tejada just the beginning

Aaron Rowand and Miguel Tejada were the 1st two casualties of a record setting offense being released by the San Francisco Giants.  Of course, by record setting, I mean one of the worst offenses in league history, who have set records for consecutive solo home runs and will be establishing records for lack of run support by the team the season is over.  Rowand and Tejada's departure sends a clear and seismic pulse throughout the locker room that each and every veteran felt.

Aubrey Huff, the team's offensive leader in 2010, has been below average the entire year of 2011.  If he continues to struggle into 2012, Brandon Belt will be given the keys at first base, and another 8 figure salary will be chopped.  Cody Ross and Andres Torres, the NLCS MVP and Willie Mac Award winner in 2010, will both be looking for job in another outfield if they do not improve before next season.  Ross is a free agent after the year and Torres is eligible to be offered salary arbitration.  The Giants might not even offer Torres arbitration. Carlos Beltran, who has had a terrible time calling AT&T Park home, will want big money (4 years, $60 million, according to Scott Boras) to stay, so he can play as bad a Rowand and still be happy in San Francisco.

Mark DeRosa, Orlando Cabrera, Pat Burrell and Mike Fontenot will all be free agents as well, and while all four would be low cost returns in 2012, none of the four are guaranteed even a contract offer.  They all might have to be invited to Spring Training.

Guillermo Mota, who was offered an invite to Spring Training each of the last two years, might be more likely to get a contract after his consistency out of the bullpen and his versatility on top of that. Javier Lopez, Ramon Ramirez, Santiago Casilla and Jeremy Affeldt are not sure returns either, but the talented bullpen should stay in tact in 2012.

Will Zito be the next massive contract to go?

All of that talk pales in comparison to the biggest elephant in the room, Barry Zito and his bloated, oversized, unnecessary, franchise altering contract.  Zito may be staying for no other reason than the team's reluctance to pay him and watch him pitch for someone else.  Jonathan Sanchez, who started 2011 as the team's #2 starter over Matt Cain, might not make the rotation if the team can bring back Ryan Vogelsong.  Sanchez will certainly be an option to trade.  Eric Surkamp, Craig Westcott and others can certainly challenge for a 5th spot in the rotation if the team decides to trade Sanchez or dump Zito.

The only certainty is that Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Sergio Romo, and Brian Wilson will pitch for the Giants in 2012.  Buster Posey, Belt, Freddy Sanchez, Pablo Sandoval, and Nate Schierholtz will hit in 2012.  And, a lot of veterans will be spared to keep the pitching staff performances count for something.


Bullet Point look at next year by position:

Starting Pitching signed through next year

• Madison Bumgarner
• Matt Cain 
• Barry Zito

Relief Pitching signed through next year

• Brian Wilson

Lineup signed through next year

• C Buster Posey
• 1B Aubrey Huff
• 2B Freddy Sanchez

Pending Arbitration Eligible Pitchers

• Santiago Casilla
• Tim Lincecum
• Ramon Ramirez
• Jonathan Sanchez

Pending Free Agent Pitchers

• Jeremy Affeldt
• Javier Lopez
• Guillermo Mota
• Sergio Romo
• Ryan Vogelsong

Pending Arbitration Eligible Hitters

• Jeff Keppinger 
• Pablo Sandoval
• Nate Schierholtz
• Andres Torres

 Pending Free Agent Hitters

• Carlos Beltran
• Pat Burrell
• Orlando Cabrera
• Mark DeRosa
• Mike Fontenot
• Cody Ross

Saltzman Says...Bay Area Bullets

• Hard Luck Cain - Matt Cain pitched 7 1/3 last night, allowing 2 runs, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead.  Juan Uribe got the big hit, a 2 out, full count double to left center off of Brian Wilson in the bottom of the eighth.  

• Cody Ross is Boss Again? - Cody Ross hit a three run home run in the 9th to give the Giants a 8-5 win after blowing a 5-2 lead in the eighth.
• Mark DeRosa has played his last game? - DeRosa's wrist hit another setback last night, and it could mean the 2 year DeRosa experiment has failed for the last time.
• Sharks get Chewed Up - Sharks get destroyed in Game 2, specifically on power play after power play and lose 7-3.  No Sharks team has ever come back from a 2-0 deficit in team history.  The Sharks are 0-8 in series after losing the first two.  They have never even taken it 7 in any of those series.  Is this Sharks team the best of them all...only one way to prove it.
• A's lose in extras - A Daric Barton error in the 10th led to an unearned run and a extra innings loss for the A's.
• Ping Pong Balls bounce for Cleveland - Warriors haven't moved up to the top 3 since Joe Smith was the #1 overall selection by the team in 1995.  The Warriors will stay at 11, which means unless somebody in the top 10 wants a current Warrior more than their pick, the Warriors won't be getting a top 10 talent they so desperately need.
• Raiders Head Coach selling tickets - Everyone from the CEO to head coach Hue Jackson to actual ticket reps are being asked by the Raiders to sell season tickets during the lockout.  The Raiders decided instead of laying off their workers, creating furlough days or cutting back, they would put everyone to work.  Of all the strange things to come from Mount Davis, this one is one of the hardest to define.  Is it brilliant and encouraging, or is it crazy and typical of the organization?
• Richard Seymour and Jason Campbell in charge? - Seymour and Campbell are running a camp in Atlanta for all Raiders players, and 25 have already committed to being there for a four day camp.  Seymour will be in charge of the defense and Campbell will run the offense.

Saltzman Says...Wilson, Ross team up with Keenan Cahill

On May 25, the Giants will host a "Cody and Keenan" Fundraiser night at AT&T Park

Saltzman Says...2-4 Start is a good thing

The Giants are starting this year very similar to last year.  If you remember last year, the Giants started hot, going 4-0, sweeping the Houston Astros and winning the opener against the Atlanta Braves in 13 innings.  Nobody thought the Giants were going 162-0, yet it sure was good to see the Giants beat a less superior team in Houston and beat a better team at the time in Atlanta.  Then after winning both the Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates series, the Giants went South.  Both literally and figuretively.  The Giants went down to Los Angeles and San Diego, and came away with one win.  Only one.  The Giants lost two out of three to the Dodgers and then got swept by the Padres. 

Entering 2011 with a World Championship patch on their right sleeve certainly gave people the impression this would be an even better start to the year.  However, instead of playing teams like Houston and Pitssburgh, the Giants started with the two nemesis teams from down south.  What resulted was a 2-4 start to the year, followed by an Opening day today against a long time central power in St. Louis.  The Cardinals come in struggling, but have never been looked at as an easy win. 

However, I look at the start of the year as an improvement on last year as well as a sign of better things to come. 

1. Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, and Brandon Belt were in the minors last year.  These three potential phenoms were all in the minor league system to start 2010, and in Belt's case, was in San Jose or Single-A.

2. Freddy Sanchez, Miguel Tejada, Pat Burrell, Andres Torres and Cody Ross.  None of these players were starting or with the team on opening day last year, and with the excpetion of Ross who is on the DL, all are here now. 

3. The pitching is better.  Tim Lincecum, Jonathan Sanchez, Matt Cain, Barry Zito and Madison Bumgarner have a collective ERA under 3.00 to start the year.  These five will carry the team throghout the year.

4. The record is better.  Even though the Giants started 7-2 last year, they started 1-5 against the Dodgers and Padres.  This year, they started 2-4.  Not much of a jump, but improving from a 92 win season only takes 8 extra wins to get to 100.  The Giants technically are on pace for 93 wins if they can repeat last year's performance against the other teams in the league.

The Freak, the Kid, and the Rock will help lead the Giants in 2011

Saltzman Says...Breaking Down 25 Man on Last Day

San Francisco Giants 25 Man Roster Predictions:

Catcher:
1. Buster Posey
2. Eli Whiteside

1st Base:
3. Aubrey Huff
4. Travis Ishikawa

2nd Base:
5. Freddy Sanchez
6. Mike Fontenot

Shortstop:
7. Miguel Tejada
8. Mark DeRosa

Third Baseman
9. Pablo Sandoval

Outfield
10. Pat Burrell
11. Andres Torres
12. Nate Schierholtz
13. Aaron Rowand

Starting Pitching
14. Tim Lincecum
15. Jonathan Sanchez
16. Matt Cain
17. Barry Zito
18. Madison Bumgarner

Relief Pitching
19. Guillermo Mota (must be added to 40 man)
20. Dan Runzler
21. Jeremy Affeldt
22. Javier Lopez
23. Ramon Ramirez 
24. Sergio Romo
25. Santiago Casilla

DL - Cody Ross
DL - Brian Wilson
---------------------------
Brandon Belt starting in AAA does three positive things, despite his great Spring and deserved callup.

1. It allows the Giants to avoid the three headed monster of who is being cut between Aaron Rowand, Nate Schierholtz, and Travis Ishikawa.

2. It allows the Giants to have an open spot on their 40 man roster.  If Guillermo Mota makes the team, he must be added to the 40 man roster.  The Giants may have already decided to keep the only man in the competition that was on the postseason roster last year.  That decision was made easier when the Giants decided to part ways with Jeff Suppan.  The Giants currently have 38 players on the roster.  If the Giants decide to keep a pitcher like Ryan Vogelsong as well over Dan Runzler, they won't have an open spot for Belt.  Runzler has options left, so sending him down wouldn't clear a 40 man spot.

3. Financially, the Giants don't have to "start the clock" on Belt's career, and in the long run, it means that Belt's free agency wouldn't come up for an additional year.  Tim Lincecum is making $13 million this year, and made $10 million last year after being declared a "Super 2" for being called up May 9th his rookie year.  That year counted as a full season, which sped his arbitration years up a season.  With Posey being a Super 2 after this season, the Giants can help themselves in the long run not bringing up Belt quite yet.

Could Belt unseat Ishikawa on the 25 man roster?

Chris Haft Says...The Giants poised to Repeat

SAN FRANCISCO -- William Shakespeare wouldn't have written "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown" had he foreseen the Giants' reaction to their first World Series triumph since 1954.
The Giants are anything but uneasy as they prepare to head for Spring Training in Scottsdale, Ariz. They and their still-delirious fans cannot be accused of taking their first San Francisco-era championship for granted. The World Series trophy has been displayed throughout California and even in New York, where the franchise was based until it moved West before the 1958 season. The team, in general, and center fielder Andres Torres, in particular, will be the subjects of documentaries. Cody Ross and Buster Posey served as grand marshals in parades thrown by their respective hometowns.
Now, it's back to work. Most of these Giants know nothing about the challenge of repeating as titlists. But they do realize that confronting stubborn, hungry opponents will be a daily occurrence.
"In a way, I kind of feel like we took everybody by surprise," right-hander Sergio Romo said. "They're going to know more about us. It's not going to be that way again."

Thus, the Giants will spend six weeks in Arizona preparing themselves, physically and mentally, for the task that awaits them.

Entering Spring Training with largely the same roster as last year, the Giants don't appear to have many moves to make. But competition for the few openings that exist promises to be spirited and should erode all lingering compacency, if any still exists. 

Pitchers and catchers report 

Feb. 14 

Full squad reports

Feb. 18
First Spring Training game
Home vs. D-backs, Feb. 25, 12:05 p.m.
Opening Day
Away vs. Dodgers, April 1, 7:10 p.m.

Triple play: Three questions that need answers
1. Will Pablo Sandoval be fit to play?
The answer seems to be an unqualified yes. Sandoval looked downright svelte in a recent photograph of him standing waist-deep in a swimming pool. He obviously was listening when management threatened to send him to Triple-A if he didn't shape up during the offseason. Since a well-conditioned Sandoval likely will be productive, the Giants ought to feel thrilled.
2. Who will play left field?
Much depends on rookie Brandon Belt, who has been billed as this year's Buster Posey. Belt can play either outfield corner, but he's better at first base. If the Giants decide to play Belt at first, Aubrey Huff almost surely would man left field, where he started 24 games last year. But Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand and Nate Schierholtz will push for playing time at this spot.
3. Can the Giants repeat?
First thing's first: Can the Giants win the National League West? There's no reason they can't, especially with their pitching. San Francisco should be tested by Colorado, which may have the most talent in the division, and the Dodgers, who find a way to be competitive more often than not.
2010 record
92-70, first in the NL West


Projected batting order
1. CF Andres Torres:
  .268 BA, .343 OBP, .479 SLG, 16 HR, 63 RBI in 2010
2. 2B Freddy Sanchez:
  .292 BA, .342 OBP, .397 SLG, 7 HR, 47 RBI in 2010
3. LF Aubrey Huff:
  .290 BA, .385 OBP, .506 SLG, 26 HR, 86 RBI in 2010
4. C Buster Posey:
  .305 BA, .357 OBP, .505 SLG, 18 HR, 67 RBI in 2010
5. 3B Pablo Sandoval:
  .268 BA, .323 OBP, .409 SLG, 13 HR, 63 RBI in 2010
6. SS Miguel Tejada:
  .269 BA, .312 OBP, .381 SLG, 15 HR, 71 RBI in 2010
7. 1B Brandon Belt:
  .352 BA, .455 OBP, .620 SLG, 23 HR, 112 RBI in Minors in 2010
8. RF Cody Ross:
  .269 BA, .322 OBP, .413 SLG, 14 HR, 65 RBI in 2010

Projected rotation
1. Tim Lincecum, 16-10, 3.43 ERA in 2010
2. Matt Cain, 13-11, 3.14 ERA in 2010
3. Jonathan Sanchez, 13-9, 3.07 ERA in 2010
4. Madison Bumgarner, 7-6, 3.00 ERA in 2010
5. Barry Zito, 9-14, 4.15 ERA in 2010

Projected bullpen
Closer: Brian Wilson, 48/53 saves, 1.81 ERA in 2010
RH setup man: Sergio Romo, 2.18 ERA in 2010
LH setup man: Jeremy Affeldt, 4.14 ERA in 2010

The new guys
SS Miguel Tejada: The 14-year veteran will turn 37 during the season, so it's fair to wonder how much he has left. But Tejada typically performs with a lot of energy, and he seemed thrilled to join the reigning World Series champs. The Giants will be overjoyed if Tejada remotely approaches his .287 career batting average and .801 lifetime slugging percentage.
RHP Jeff Suppan: The most accomplished of the Giants' non-roster invitees represents insurance in case a member of the talented starting rotation sustains an injury. Suppan has recorded a 4.95 ERA in the last four seasons, which he spent mostly in the hitter-friendly confines of Milwaukee's Miller Park. Pitching for the Giants should be less stressful.

Prospects to watch
1B-LF Brandon Belt: Scouts from opposing teams join the chorus of Giants officials, including general manager Brian Sabean, in praising Belt profusely. If they're correct, Belt definitely will crack the starting lineup; it's just a matter of when. Sabean has repeated that Belt, 22, won't open the season with San Francisco unless he's starting, which makes perfect sense.
SS Brandon Crawford: Considered San Francisco's shortstop of the future, Crawford needs at least another year of Minor League seasoning, and he'll get it due to Tejada's presence. Crawford has decent range and good speed, and the left-handed swinger has shown hints of power, which further intrigues the Giants.
CF Gary Brown: The Giants want to get a long look at Brown, last year's first-round selection in the First-Year Player Draft. Ideally, he fits a leadoff hitter's profile, but some skeptics believe that he lacks the power to drive pitches into the gaps and won't draw enough walks.
C Tommy Joseph: At 19, Joseph will be the youngest player in camp as a non-roster invitee. He played at low-Class A Augusta last season and made the South Atlantic League All-Star team while batting .236 with 16 homers and 68 RBIs. Some believe that first base will be Joseph's ultimate home.

On the rebound
LHP Barry Zito: The 2002 American League Cy Young Award winner was left off the active roster during each round of the postseason after losing 10 of his last 11 decisions. He failed to reach double figures in victories for the first time in 10 full seasons. Expect a thoroughly determined Zito to arrive in Scottsdale.
OF Aaron Rowand: While losing his everyday role to Andres Torres, Rowand hit a career-low .230 and appeared in 105 games, the third-fewest in his career. His 76 starts represented his lowest single-season total since he had 39 in 2003 with the White Sox. Primarily a center fielder, Rowand could join the left-field competition in an effort to revive his fortunes. He's also likely to be mentioned in trade rumors, though his $12 million salary makes him difficult to unload.
LHP Jeremy Affeldt: The reliever posted a 4.14 ERA last season, more than doubling his remarkable 1.73 figure from 2009. In fairness, Affeldt couldn't have been expected to duplicate what would have been a career year for almost anybody. He salvaged his 2010 campaign with two scoreless innings in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series after an injury-plagued regular season. He's fit and optimistic now.

Long gone
INF Juan Uribe: One of the Giants' most productive clutch hitters last year took a three-year, $21 million deal from the rival Dodgers. The Giants' primary shortstop in 2010, Uribe batted only .248, but his 24 homers and 85 RBIs ranked second on the club. The Giants also will miss Uribe's versatility, which enabled him to play every infield spot except first base.
SS Edgar Renteria: He'll forever be remembered in San Francisco for his three-run homer off Texas ace Cliff Lee that accounted for the Giants' scoring in Game 5 of the World Series and enabled them to win the title. Renteria spurned the Giants' one-year, $1 million offer to take a more lucrative deal from Cincinnati.
RHP Chris Ray: Acquired from Texas in the Bengie Molina trade, Ray pitched capably (3-0, one save, 4.13 ERA in 28 appearances) but was left off all postseason rosters. He signed with the Seattle Mariners, who likely will give him a more significant role.

Mark DeRosa is a huge X Factor for the 2011 Giants.  Can he replace Juan Uribe?

Saltzman Says... Giants Depth Chart, Updated 1/26/2011

San Francisco's Updated Organizational Depth Chart:

Catchers:
C Buster Posey (ML) {league minimum}
C Eli Whiteside (ML) {league minimum}

C Jackson Williams (Spring Training)

C Chris Stewart (Spring Training)

C Hector Sanchez (Spring Training)
C Aaron Lowenstein (AA)

C Eliezer Zambrano (AA)

C Tyler LaTorre (AA)
C Nestor Rojas (AA)

C Johnny Monell (Hi A)

C Tommy Joseph (Spring Training)

----------
First Baseman:
1B: Aubrey Huff (ML) {re-signed for 2 years, $22 million}
1B Travis Ishikawa (ML) {league minimum}

1B Brandon Belt (Spring Training)
1B/RF Brad Eldred (Spring Training)

1B Brett Pill (AAA)
1B Andy D'Alessio (AA)

1B Michael Ambort (Hi A)
1B Josh Mazzola (Hi A)
1B Rafael Rodriguez (R) 

---------- 
Second Baseman:

2B Freddy Sanchez (ML) {will make $6 million in 2011}
2B Mike Fontenot (ML) {will make $1 million in 2011}

2B Nick Noonan (Spring Training)
2B Charlie Culberson (Spring Training)
2B Brock Bond (AA)
2B Ryan Lormand (AA)

---------- 
Third Baseman:
3B Pablo Sandoval (ML) {league minimum}
3B Ryan Rohlinger (Call Up)
3B Conor Gillespie (40 Man)

3B Brad Boyer (AA)

3B Joel Weeks (Hi A)
3B Drew Biery (Hi A)
3B Chris Dominguez (Lo A)

---------- 
Shortstops:

SS Miguel Tejada {will make $6.5 million in 2011}
SS Manny Burris (40 Man)
SS Brandon Crawford (Spring Training)

SS Ehire Adrianza (40 Man)
---------- 
Outfielders:
OF Cody Ross (ML) {will make $6.3 million in 2011}
OF Andres Torres (ML) {offered arbitration}
OF Pat Burrell (ML) {re-signed for $1 million in 2011}
OF Mark DeRosa (ML) {will make $6 million in 2011}
OF Aaron Rowand (ML) {2 more years for $24 million}
OF Nate Schierholtz (ML) {league minimum}
OF Darren Ford (40 Man)
OF Thomas Neal (40 Man)

OF Gary Brown (Spring Training)

OF Terry Evans (Spring Training)

OF Mike McBride (AAA)

OF Tyler Graham (AAA)

OF Ben Copeland (AAA)

OF Roger Kieschnick (AA)

OF Francisco Peguero (40 Man)
OF Wendell Fairley (Hi A)

OF Juan Perez (Spring Training)
OF James Simmons (Hi A)

---------- 
Designated Hitters:
DH Jose Flores (Hi A) 
---------- 
Right Handed Pitchers:

RHP Tim Lincecum (ML) {will make $13 million in 2011}
RHP Matt Cain (ML) {will make $7 million in 2011, $15 million in 2012}
RHP Brian Wilson (ML) {will make $6.5 million in 2011, $8.5 million in 2012}
RHP Sergio Romo (ML) {league minimum}
RHP Santiago Casilla (ML) {will make $1.3 million in 2011}
RHP Ramon Ramirez (ML) {will make $1.65 million in 2011}
RHP Steve Edlefson (40 Man)
RHP Henry Sosa (40 Man)
RHP Guillermo Mota (Spring Training)

RHP: Waldis Joaquin (Spring Training)

RHP Matthew Sartor (AAA) {Rule 5 Draft}

RHP Dashenko Ricardo (AAA) {Rule 5 Draft}
RHP Michael Main (AA)

RHP David Mixon (AA)

RHP Craig Westcott (AA)

RHP Mitch Lively (AA)

RHP Jose Casilla (40 Man)

RHP Casey Daigle (Spring Training)

RHP Shane Loux (Spring Training)

RHP Ryan Vogelsong (Spring Training)
RHP Marc Kroon (Spring Training)

RHP Daryl Maday (AA)

RHP Adrian Martin (AA)
RHP Felix Romero (Spring Training)

RHP Oliver Odle (Hi A)
RHP Justin Fitzgerald (Hi A)

RHP Edwin Quirarte (Hi A)

RHP Jason Stoffel (Spring Training)

RHP Ben Wilshire (Hi A)

RHP Kyle Woodruff (Hi A)

RHP Brian Anderson (Hi A)

RHP Hector Correa (Hi A)

RHP Eric Stolp (Hi A)

RHP Zach Wheeler (Lo A)

----------
Left Handed Pitchers:
LHP Jeremy Affeldt (ML) {will make $4.5 million in 2011}
LHP Madison Bumgarner (ML) {league minimum}
LHP Jonathan Sanchez (ML) {will make $4.8 million in 2011}
LHP Javier Lopez (ML) {offered arbitration}
LHP Dan Runzler (ML) {league minimum}
LHP Barry Zito (ML) {3 more years for $57.5 million}
LHP Alex Hinshaw (40 Man)

LHP Clayton Tanner (40 Man)

LHP Justin Dowdy (AAA) {Rule 5 Draft}

LHP Matt Yourkin (Spring Training)
LHP David Quinowski (AA)

LHP Kelvin Marte (Hi A)

LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (Spring Training)

LHP Ryan Verdugo (Spring Training)

Brandon Belt might be a 2011 addition

San Francisco's Free Agents:

C: Steve Holm (AAA)

C: Guillermo Rodriguez (AAA)

1B: Jesus Guzman (AAA) (Padres)

1B: Michael Sandoval (Hi A)

2B: Derin McMains (AAA)
3B: Juan Uribe (ML) (Dodgers) {will be awarded a 2011 draft pick as compensation}
3B: Jacob Blackwood (AA) (Padres)

SS: Edgar Renteria (ML) (Reds)

SS Juan Ciriaco (AA)

SS Sharlon Schoop (AA)

OF: Jose Guillen (ML)
OF Eugenio Velez (Call Up) (Dodgers)

OF Joe Borchard (AAA)

OF Clay Timpner (AA) 

RHP Chris Ray (ML) (Mariners)
RHP: Eric Hacker (AAA) (Twins)

RHP Rafael Cova (AA)

RHP Matt Kinney (AAA)

RHP Mike MacDonald (AA)

RHP Osiris Matos (AAA)

RHP Scott Nestor (Lo A)

RHP Tony Pena Jr. (AAA) (Red Sox)

RHP Ronnie Ray (AA)
RHP Todd Wellemeyer (Cubs)

LHP: Geno Espineli (AAA) (Rockies)

LHP Joe Paterson (AAA) (D'Backs)

LHP Horacio Ramirez (AAA)

LHP Andy Sisco (AA)

LHP Jake Stevens (AA)

LHP Dontrelle Willis (AAA) (Reds)

Chris Haft Says... Arbitration to boost payroll

Giants' payroll likely to climb after arbitration

Ross, Sanchez among six players in line for salary increases

By Chris Haft / MLB.com | 01/04/11 3:52 PM EST

SAN FRANCISCO -- The expense report for the Giants' World Series triumph will soar as they enter salary arbitration season.
Significant pay increases are virtually assured for six players, whose 2010 salaries are in parentheses: Outfielders Cody Ross ($4.45 million) and Andres Torres ($426,000), left-handers Jonathan Sanchez ($2.1 million) and Javier Lopez ($775,000) and right-handers Santiago Casilla ($400,000) and Ramon Ramirez ($1.155 million).
Not only are they eligible for arbitration, a process that generated an average 107 percent raise for such players last year, but each of them also helped the Giants surge to their first Series conquest since 1954.

 

Related Video

Sanchez's 200th strikeout

Ross has enjoyed the ride

Hot Stove chats with Bochy

Players may file for arbitration between Wednesday and Jan. 15. Each player and his respective club will exchange a proposed figure for a one-year contract on Jan. 18. Those unable to reach agreements will proceed to a February hearing in which an arbitrator will select either the team's or the player's proposal.

Teams can limit payroll increases by negotiating settlements. No matter how many compromises the Giants strike, their total payroll is bound to exceed $120 million, up from approximately $96 million last season. The Giants still would like to exercise as much control as possible while avoiding potentially adversarial hearings.

"Everybody wants to find common ground," Giants vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said. "I'm sure both sides will make an honest effort."

Under ordinary circumstances, the Giants probably would try to forge a multiyear agreement with Sanchez, whose salary skyrocketed from $455,000 in 2009 to $2.1 million last season, his first year of arbitration eligibility. Sanchez also earned an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses by pitching 193 1/3 innings.

Barring poor performance, Sanchez will continue to receive handsome pay hikes this year and next through arbitration. A mainstay of San Francisco's starting rotation at age 28, he finished 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA and held opponents to a .204 batting average and 6.61 hits per nine innings, both Major League lows.

But the Giants possess little spare change. They already have more than $66 million committed to five players in 2012: left-hander Barry Zito ($19 million), right-hander Matt Cain ($15.333 million), center fielder Aaron Rowand ($13.6 million), first baseman Aubrey Huff ($10 million) and closer Brian Wilson ($8.5 million). The Giants also must factor in an eight-figure wage for Tim Lincecum, who'll be arbitration-eligible after earning $14 million this year.

Salaries for arbitration-eligibles tend to be based on comparisons of wages earned by players at the same position with similar Major League service time.

Torres, whose 2010 salary barely exceeded the Major League minimum, conceivably could triple or quadruple his pay. San Francisco's starting center fielder, whose compelling personal background has prompted a documentary film company to chronicle the story of his life, hit .268 with 16 home runs, 63 RBIs and 26 stolen bases a year ago.

Though the percentage of Ross' raise may not match Torres', the Most Valuable Player of the National League Championship Series (.350, three doubles, three homers and five RBIs) should command a salary in the $7 million range, at least. Ross hit .269 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs in the 2010 regular season.

As setup or situational relievers, Casilla, Lopez and Ramirez likely won't receive exorbitant raises, though their income will climb nevertheless. Casilla (7-2, 1.95 ERA) amassed 56 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings and stranded 41 of 47 inherited baserunners, the Majors' second-best ratio; Lopez (4-2, 2.34) held left-handed batters to a .162 batting average (16-for-99); and Ramirez (1-3, 2.99) yielded only two earned runs in 27 innings after joining the Giants from Boston in a July 31 trade.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Bleacher Report Says...10 Reasons for a Giants Repeat

Top Ten Reasons Giants can repeat in 2011
Written by Vinnie Cestone (Contributor)

10. The Machine

Who is this masked man wearing a bondage outfit? Is it Brian Wilson's neighbor? Is it Pat Burrell in his holiday party getup?
Whoever he is, he was present when the Giants won their first championship in San Francisco, so let's just say he was the Giants' good luck charm in 2010.
The Machine will probably be back for an encore in 2011 to bring the Giants more good fortune. Who knows what surprises he will bring forth.
The mystery that is The Machine will just have to continue into next year.

9. Bruce Bochy

Just like Brian Sabean, the Giants' manager, Bruce Bochy, was put on the chopping block. And just like Sabean, Bochy turned from goat to hero in 2010.
When given decent pieces to work with, Bochy can assemble a competitive team. In his first years as the Giants' manager, he was given little to work with as far as on-field talent and hence the losing records. However, once the starting pitching blossomed in 2009, and Bochy was given a strong bullpen with the acquisition of Jeremy Affeldt and the emergence of Brian Wilson, he somehow squeezed 88 wins out of the Giants' horrendous 2009 offensive team.
In 2010, the Giants gave Bochy his most-talented team as manager. He had versatility in the bullpen and with his position players. With hitters who could finally give professional at bats, like Pat Burrell and Aubrey Huff, he was able to actually manage and win.
Another one of Bochy's strengths is that he knows how to develop and manage a bullpen, as seen by the 2010 playoffs. Since a strong bullpen is a necessary foundation for any winning team, this is extremely important.
Bochy's immense knowledge of the game should also be mentioned. In 2010, many learned that Bochy is a very sharp baseball man, as shown by the time he helped the Giants win a game at Dodger Stadium when Don Mattingly had to take out Jonathon Broxton because he made two mound visits.
Bochy will be given the same bullpen depth and position-player versatility in 2011. As a knowledgeable baseball man, and a former catcher, expect another well-managed season from him.

8. Brian Sabean

The creator of FireSabean.com might want to issue an apology.
When the Giants' General Manager Brian Sabean is given enough financial flexibility, he does a nice job fielding a competitive team. How many teams can say they were in a pennant race in September for all but two years between 1997 and 2010?
The Giants were smack in the middle of one from 1997-2006 and 2009-2010. Yes, even when they finished well below .500 in 2005 and 2006, they still had a legitimate shot at the playoffs in September.
Although Sabean had some problems bringing in solid players in recent years, 2010 was a good year for him. When the Giants did not have a solidified bullpen, he brought in Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez mid-season to fill that gap. When the Giants were in desperate need of a professional plate approach and power, he acquired Pat Burrell and Aubrey Huff from free agency. Not to mention, he brought in Cody Ross for almost nothing.
Don't forget that he also had a hand in assembling the world-class pitching staff of Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner, and Sanchez, along with drafting Buster Posey.
Sabean should effectively add pieces again in 2011. With the Giants' payroll expected to reach $120 million, he will have more than enough financially to improve the team if need be, regardless of Barry Zito's big contract.

7. The Giants Media Crew

It sounds crazy, but even the Giants' media crew had a helping hand in the 2010 championship season, and they should not go unnoticed.
The Giants' 2010 media crew (CSN Bay Area, KNBR, Marty Lurie, Mychael Urban, Amy Gutierrez, F.P. Santangelo, and even Ashkon's inspirational song) will be back in 2011. The mass media is pervasive, it's everywhere, and can rapidly spread information or break stories.
They not only reported for the Giants very well, but they also looked out for the Giants when they felt something was not right.
An excellent example was when Jon Miller and F.P. Santangelo broke out the story about the unregulated Coors Field humidor. Their investigations and opinions prompted Major League Baseball to investigate the issue, and they even sent someone from the MLB to regulate the humidified baseballs during a crucial series between the Giants and the Rockies.
If something is amiss in 2011, the Giants' media crew will surely be there to investigate.

6. Fan Support

It has been a tough road for Giants fans, waiting since 1958 for their Giants to win a championship in San Francisco, but it finally happened, largely because of their support.
In years past, it seemed like Giants fans just about gave up. Even when the rival Los Angeles Dodgers came to AT&T Park, the stadium would be seemingly half-full of Dodger blue, but 2010 did away with all that.
From the first pitch to the last out, Giants fans were always on their feet. They did not cheer after strike three happened, but they cheered before strike three happened. During the playoffs and the final three regular-season games of 2010, they waved their rally towels, blanketed the ballpark in orange, and roared in anticipation for their hometown Giants.
They made songs that encouraged the Giants and their loyal fans to "Don't Stop Believin," even when things looked bleak. They were even celebrities like Rob Schneider, Robin Williams, and Steve Perry.
Because of the fine efforts of Giants fans from all across the country, they gave a helping hand in this 2010 championship season and are expected to do the same in 2011 and beyond.

5. Team Chemistry

Some say team chemistry is overrated, but the Giants will probably tell you otherwise.
Even after tough losses, the Giants would come back the next night in high spirits, leaving behind whatever woes that happened the previous night. In baseball, this is extremely important. A player must have a short memory because he might just be out there the next night in a key a situation.
What helped the Giants keep their chin up from day to day?
Staying positive is much easier in a clubhouse where everybody is getting along. Like in any sport, a team that sticks together will prevail in the end. As cliche as it sounds, the togetherness of the Giants allowed them to bounce back after tough losses all season long. They had just the right juju to get them through 162 games.
With Juan Uribe gone to the rival Dodgers, a prominent clubhouse figure, the Giants replaced him with the best possible alternative, Miguel Tejada. The Tejada signing (and their attempts to resign the majority of the 2010 squad) shows that the Giants know the importance of clubhouse chemistry. Not only is Tejada a veteran leader, he also can have a prominent influence on the Latin players on the Giants, particularly Pablo Sandoval, who he said he was going to keep in contact with throughout the offseason.
With the 2010 championship team mostly kept in tact, expect a similar clubhouse vibe to last year.

4. Decent Defense

On paper, the Giants look less than spectacular on defense in 2011. In fact, one might say the Giants are full of defensive liabilities with Pat Burrell in left field and Aubrey Huff at first.
Although the Giants lack the range of a good defensive team, they catch the balls they can get to and make all the routine plays. In 2010, they made only 73 errors, the fourth lowest in Major League Baseball. For a pitching staff who led all of baseball in strikeouts in 2010, the defensive liabilities will become less exposed anyway.
The only three clearly above-average defensive players on the Giants are Freddy Sanchez, Andres Torres, and Buster Posey. Torres' speed and excellent range is a big plus at AT&T Park, especially with the big right-center field. Sanchez also picks it at second-base, as he showed throughout the 2010 playoffs.
Somebody who has really separated himself defensively is Buster Posey. With his cannon arm, and his impressive ability to handle a World Series-winning pitching staff, he will surely win his fair share of gold gloves.
It is no secret that Pablo Sandoval struggled defensively in 2010. However, if he continues to lose weight this offseason and gets his act together, he might be less of a liability at third base in 2011. The extra weight not only affected his range, but it had a clear effect on his throwing, compared to 2009.

3. Key Additions for an Improved Offense

The Giants' offense only needs mediocrity to win the West, but anything less will not get the job done. In 2009, the Giants' offense was abysmal, nearly the worst in baseball. Even so, they somehow won 88 games, but it was not enough to beat out the Rockies for the Wild Card.
In 2010, the Giants were closer to the middle of the pack in hitting, and they won the West with 92 games. Now that the Giants added Miguel Tejada, Cody Ross (mid-2010), Pat Burrell (mid-2010), re-signed Aubrey Huff, and a healthier Pablo Sandoval (who lost 15 pounds in San Diego so far), their offense is worlds better than in April of 2010. They also have a stronger bench, with Mark DeRosa returning in 2011. Don't forget Buster Posey, who just jolted the offense in July.
More than at any other time of the post-Bonds era, the Giants' lineup features some pop, and that's all they need to repeat as World Series champions. In 2010, the Giants brought the home run ball back to San Francisco, as they hit 162 team home runs, something they have not done since 2006.
Now that the Giants can enjoy a full season of Cody Ross, Pat Burrell, and Buster Posey, expect the Giants to surpass their offensive numbers from 2010.

2. Deep Bullpen

Perhaps the biggest reason why any team wins the World Series is because of its strong bullpen. Just look at what Mariano Rivera has done for the Yankees in both the regular and post-season when they were winning all their championships.
The Giants are not becoming one of those great bullpens, they are already one of them. In 2010, they posted a 2.99 ERA with a major-league leading 57 saves, even though closer Brian Wilson saved 48 of them.
What makes the Giants' bullpen so great is its versatility. Nearly all of the 2010 bullpen will be back in the orange and black in 2011, with the exception of Chris Ray. And the entire bullpen can come up big if they need to. Even Guillermo Mota, who the Giants shored up for the back end of their bullpen, can set-up or close games if Brian Wilson were to be out with an injury or is unavailable.
The Giants have a reliever for any situation it seems. If the Giants need to face one of the National League Wests' toughest lefties, there is Javier Lopez to sling a swooping breaking ball for a strikeout. If they need a flamethrower to strike out someone late in the game with runners in scoring position, Santiago Casilla can come out with his 96+ MPH fastball and blow away any hitter. If the situation calls for a key double play, Jeremy Affeldt can be summoned to get one (he induced the most double plays of all relievers in 2009).
Then there's Brian Wilson, the reincarnation of Mariano Rivera so far. In his 11.2 innings pitched in the 2010 postseason, Wilson was unscored upon, giving up only 5 hits and striking out 16, while saving 6 games. Although he has a flare for the dramatic, he finds a way to get the job done and makes quality pitches when he needs to.
Expect the same lights out bullpen in 2011.

1. Superb Starting Pitching

This should come to no surprise to anyone. Since the end of the Barry Bonds era, the Giants have shifted philosophies. Playing in the wide open spaces of AT&T Park, they realized that a lineup full of sluggers and aging free agents alone will not get the job done.
Hence, the star-studded young starting rotation of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, and Jonathon Sanchez were born and bred within the Giants organization. Add a former Cy-Young winner in Barry Zito as a fifth starter, and there lies the only starting staff that can match up with the Phillies' "Fantastic Four."
This Giants' elite starting pitchers from 2010, who were third in the major leagues with a 3.54 ERA, will be back for an encore performance in 2011. The 2010 starting pitcher ERA was even skewed with Barry Zito and Todd Wellemeyer's less than stellar 2010 regular season performances. Not to mention, the Giants' starting pitchers led all of baseball with 888 strikeouts and held opponents to just a .236 batting average.
For those who believe the Phillies' starting pitching will be the best in baseball in 2011, consider this: The combined 2010 ERA of Cliff Lee, Joe Blanton, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hammels was 3.45.
As for the Giants, the combined 2010 ERA of Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, Bumgarner, and Zito was 3.40. Also, keep in mind that the Giants' 2011 starting pitchers are younger and have all pitched in the World Series with the exception of Zito.

Saltzman Says... Another Giants Depth Chart (12/3/10 Edition)

San Francisco's Updated Organizational Depth Chart:

Catchers:
C Buster Posey (ML) {league minimum}
C Eli Whiteside (ML) {league minimum}

C Jackson Williams (AAA)

C Aaron Lowenstein (AA)

C Eliezer Zambrano (AA)

C Johnny Monell (Hi A)

C Tommy Joseph (Lo A)

----------
First Baseman:
1B: Aubrey Huff (ML) {re-signed for 2 years, $22 million}
1B Travis Ishikawa (ML) {league minimum}

1B Brandon Belt (AAA)
1B Michael Ambort (Hi A)
1B Josh Mazzola (Hi A)
1B Rafael Rodriguez (R)

---------- 
Second Baseman:

2B Freddy Sanchez (ML) {1 more year for $6 million}
2B Mike Fontenot (ML) {made $1 million in 2010}

2B Nick Noonan (AA)
2B Brock Bond (AA)

2B Charlie Culberson (Hi A)

---------- 
Third Baseman:
3B Pablo Sandoval (ML) {league minimum}
3B Ryan Rohlinger (Call Up)
3B Conor Gillespie (40 Man)

3B Drew Biery (Hi A)
3B Chris Dominguez (Lo A)

---------- 
Shortstops:

SS Miguel Tejada {signed for 1 year $6.5 million}
SS Manny Burris (Call Up)
SS Brandon Crawford (AAA)

SS Ehire Adrianza (40 Man)
---------- 
Outfielders:
OF Cody Ross (ML) {made $4.45 million in 2010}
OF Andres Torres (ML) {made $0.426 million in 2010}
OF Mark DeRosa (ML) {1 more year for $6 million}
OF Aaron Rowand (ML) {2 more years for $24 million}
OF Nate Schierholtz (ML) {league minimum}
OF Darren Ford (Call Up)
OF Thomas Neal (40 Man)

OF Roger Kieschnick (AA)

OF Francisco Peguero (40 Man)
OF Wendell Fairley (Hi A)

OF Juan Perez (Hi A)

---------- 
Designated Hitters:
DH Jose Flores (Hi A) 
---------- 
Right Handed Pitchers:

RHP Tim Lincecum (ML) {will make $13 million in 2011}
RHP Matt Cain (ML) {will make $7 million in 2011, $15 million in 2012}
RHP Brian Wilson (ML) {will make $6.5 million in 2011, $8.5 million in 2012}
RHP Sergio Romo (ML) {league minimum}
RHP Santiago Casilla (ML) {made $0.400 million in 2010}
RHP Ramon Ramirez (ML) {made $1.155 million in 2010}
RHP Steve Edlefson (40 Man)
RHP Henry Sosa (40 Man)

RHP Michael Main (AA)

RHP David Mixon (AA)

RHP Craig Westcott (AA)

RHP Mitch Lively (AA)

RHP Jose Casilla (40 Man)

RHP Oliver Odle (Hi A)
RHP Justin Fitzgerald (Hi A)

RHP Edwin Quirarte (Hi A)

RHP Jason Stoffel (Hi A)

RHP Ben Wilshire (Hi A)

RHP Kyle Woodruff (Hi A)

RHP Zach Wheeler (Lo A)

----------
Left Handed Pitchers:
LHP Jeremy Affeldt (ML) {1 more year for $4.5 million}
LHP Madison Bumgarner (ML) {league minimum}
LHP Jonathan Sanchez (ML) {made $2.1 million in 2010}
LHP Javier Lopez (ML) {made $0.775 million in 2010}
LHP Dan Runzler (ML) {league minimum}
LHP Barry Zito (ML) {3 more years for $57.5 million}
LHP Alex Hinshaw (40 Man)

LHP Joe Paterson (AAA)

LHP Clayton Tanner (40 Man)
LHP David Quinowski (AA)

LHP Kelvin Marte (Hi A)

LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (Hi A)

LHP Ryan Verdugo (Hi A)

San Francisco Offered Arbitration:

3B: Juan Uribe (ML) (Dodgers) {will be awarded a 2011 draft pick as compensation}

San Francisco's Rule 5 Eligible Players:

1B Brett Pill (AAA)

1B Andy D'Alessio (AA)

2B Ryan Lormand (AA)

C Tyler LaTorre (AA)
C Nestor Rojas (AA)

3B Brad Boyer (AA)

3B Joel Weeks (Hi A)
OF Mike McBride (AAA)
OF Tyler Graham (AAA)
OF Ben Copeland (AAA)
OF James Simmons (Hi A)
RHP Daryl Maday (AA)

RHP Adrian Martin (AA)
RHP Felix Romero (AA)

RHP Brian Anderson (Hi A)

RHP Hector Correa (Hi A)

RHP Eric Stolp (Hi A)

LHP Matt Yourkin (AAA)


San Francisco's Free Agents:

C: Steve Holm (AAA)

C: Guillermo Rodriguez (AAA)

1B: Jesus Guzman (AAA) (Padres)

1B: Michael Sandoval (Hi A)

2B: Derin McMains (AAA)

SS: Edgar Renteria (ML)

SS Juan Ciriaco (AA)

SS Sharlon Schoop (AA)

OF: Pat Burrell (ML)
OF: Jose Guillen (ML)
OF Eugenio Velez (Call Up)

OF Joe Borchard (AAA)

OF Clay Timpner (AA) 

RHP: Guillermo Mota (ML)
RHP Chris Ray (ML)

RHP: Eric Hacker (AAA) (Twins)
RHP: Waldis Joaquin (AAA)

RHP Rafael Cova (AA)

RHP Matt Kinney (AAA)

RHP Mike MacDonald (AA)

RHP Osiris Matos (AAA)

RHP Scott Nestor (Lo A)

RHP Tony Pena Jr. (AAA)

RHP Ronnie Ray (AA)

LHP: Geno Espineli (AAA)

LHP Horacio Ramirez (AAA)

LHP Andy Sisco (AA)

LHP Jake Stevens (AA)

LHP Dontrelle Willis (AAA) (Reds)

Saltzman Says... Mike Fontenot Re-Signed, Ray & Velez gone

Giants offer arbitration to all but 2

Saltzman Says...

Facts:
Mike Fontenot re-signed for a little over $1 million.

Cody Ross, Andres Torres, Jonathan Sanchez, Santiago Casilla, Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez were all offered salary arbitration.

Chris Ray and Eugenio Velez were not.

What all this means...
Mike Fontenot is coming back.

Ross, Torres, Sanchez, Casilla, Lopez and Ramirez will be as well.  The question is: Does something get done before arbitration?  The answer will almost assuredly be yes.

Brian Sabean's track record is he doesn't like to take a case to an arbitrator because of how negative the back and forth become with the team and the agent.

Giants who have avoided arbitration over the last 6 years

• Jonathan Sanchez
• Brian Wilson
• Tim Lincecum
• Brandon Medders
• Jack Taschner
• Brad Hennessey
• Kevin Correia
• Jim Brower
• Pedro Feliz

What About Ray and Velez?...
Chris Ray and Eugenio Velez become free agents who could be brought back to minor league deals if nobody brings them in.  Ray should have an easier time finding a home being a former closer.  Velez could end up back in Fresno to fill out the Grizzlies roster.  General Manager Brian Sabean said Dan Runzler had the edge over Ray to make the 2011 Opening Day Roster and Velez would not be able to make the Opening Day Roster.

Saltzman Says... A look at our 25 man Roster

Last Updated: 12/2/10 10:26am

Opening Day Lineup
1. CF Andres Torres
2. 2B Freddy Sanchez
3. 1B Aubrey Huff
4. C Buster Posey
5. RF Cody Ross
6. SS Miguel Tejada 
7. LF Pat Burrell
8. 3B Pablo Sandoval
--------
Bench
9. C Eli Whiteside
10. 1B Travis Ishikawa
11. 2B Mike Fontenot
12. IF/OF Mark DeRosa
13. CF Aaron Rowand
14. RF Nate Schierholtz
--------
Rotation
15. Tim Lincecum
16. Matt Cain
17. Jonathan Sanchez
18. Madison Bumgarner
19. Barry Zito
--------
Bullpen
20. Jeremy Affeldt
21. Ramon Ramirez
22. Javier Lopez
23. Sergio Romo
24. Santiago Casilla
25. Brian Wilson