Saltzman Says...25 Man Roster (Madison Bumgarner Extension Edition)

Rotation:
1. #1 Starter: Tim Lincecum
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2013
2012 Salary: $18 million
2013 Salary: $22.5 million

2. #2 Starter: Madison Bumgarner
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Salary: $560K
2013 Salary $750K
2014 Salary $3.75 million
2015 Salary $6.75 million
2016 Salary $9.75 million
2017 Salary $11.5 million
2018 (club vesting option)
2019 (club option)

3. #3 Starter: Matt Cain
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $15 million
2013 Salary $20 million 
2014 Salary $20 million

2015 Salary $20 million

2016 Salary $20 million

2017 Salary $20 million 
2018 Salary $21 million (vesting option)

4. #4 Starter: Ryan Vogelsong
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $3 million
2013 Salary: $5 million
2014 Salary: $6.5 million (club option)

5. #5 Starter: Barry Zito
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2014
2012 Salary: $19 million
2013 Salary: $21 million
2014 Salary: $18 million (club option) 

Bullpen:
6. Closer Brian Wilson
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $8.5 million

7. Setup Man Sergio Romo
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract 
2012 Salary: $1.575 million

8. Lefty Specialist Javier Lopez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $4.25 million
2013 Salary: $4.25 million

9. Right Handed Reliever Santiago Casilla
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $2.2 million

10. Left Handed Reliever Jeremy Affeldt
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $5 million

11. Right Handed Reliever Guillermo Mota
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1 million 

12. Long Man/Spot Starter Clay Hensley
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $750K 


Starting Lineup: 
13. Center Field Angel Pagan
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $4.85 million

14. Second Base Freddy Sanchez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

15. Third Base Pablo Sandoval
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $3.2 million
2013 Salary: $5.7 million
2014 Salary: $8.25 million

16. Catcher Buster Posey
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Salary: $650K

17. Left Field Melky Cabrera
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

18. First Base Aubrey Huff
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $11 million

19. Right Field Nate Schierholtz
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.3 million

20. Shortstop Brandon Crawford
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

Bench:
21. Catcher Hector Sanchez
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Salary: $480K

22. First Base Brett Pill
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

23. UT Brandon Belt
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Salary: $480K

24. UT Ryan Theriot
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.25 million

25. 4th Outfield Gregor Blanco
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Salary: $480K

Aaron Rowand ($12 million)
Total Payroll: $126 million

Saltzman Says...25 Man Roster (Matt Cain Extension Edition)

Rotation:
1. #1 Starter: Tim Lincecum
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2013
2012 Salary: $18 million


2. #2 Starter: Matt Cain
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2017 (vesting option in 2018)
2012 Salary: $15 million

Matt Cain obtains a signing bonus of $5MM and his 2012 salary of $15MM remains unchanged, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (Twitter links). The right-hander will earn $20MM annually from 2013-17 and the deal includes a $21MM option with a $7.5MM buyout for 2018, according to Rosenthal. The 2018 option will vest if Cain is healthy in 2017, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Otherwise it becomes a club option. Cain has full no-trade protection, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio (Twitter link).

3. #3 Starter: Madison Bumgarner
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $850K

4. #4 Starter: Ryan Vogelsong
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $3 million

5. #5 Starter: Barry Zito
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2014
2012 Salary: $19 million ($46 million buyout unlikely)


Bullpen:
6. Closer Brian Wilson
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $8.5 million

7. Setup Man Sergio Romo
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract 
2012 Salary: $1.575 million

8. Lefty Specialist Javier Lopez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2013
2012 Salary: $4.25 million

9. Right Handed Reliever Santiago Casilla
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $2.2 million

10. Left Handed Reliever Jeremy Affeldt
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $5 million

11. Right Handed Reliever Guillermo Mota
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1 million 

12. Long Man/Spot Starter Clay Hensley
2012 Salary Situation: Non Guaranteed Contract
2012 Salary: $750K 


Starting Lineup: 
13. Center Field Angel Pagan
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $4.85 million

14. Second Base Freddy Sanchez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

15. Third Base Pablo Sandoval
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2014
2012 Salary: $3.2 million

16. Catcher Buster Posey
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

17. Left Field Melky Cabrera
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

18. First Base Aubrey Huff
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $11 million

19. Right Field Nate Schierholtz
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.3 million

20. Shortstop Brandon Crawford
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

Bench:
21. Catcher Eli Whiteside
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

22. First Base Brett Pill
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

23. Infield Mike Fontenot
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.05 million

24. UT Ryan Theriot
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.25 million

25. 4th Outfield Brandon Belt
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

Bench Estimated Payroll Impact: $4 million

Estimated Payroll: $114 million
Aaron Rowand ($12 million)
Total Payroll: $126 million

Saltzman Says... Giants 25 Man Roster, Updated 1/27/12

Rotation:
1. #1 Starter: Tim Lincecum
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2013
2012 Salary: $18 million


2. #2 Starter: Matt Cain
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $15 million (with added extension??)

3. #3 Starter: Madison Bumgarner
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $850K

4. #4 Starter: Ryan Vogelsong
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $3 million

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has the breakdown (on Twitter). Vogelsong will earn $3MM in 2012, $5MM in 2013, and then a $6.5MM club option with a $300K buyout for 2014 comes into play. The total guarantee is $8.3MM.

5. #5 Starter: Barry Zito
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2014
2012 Salary: $19 million ($46 million buyout unlikely)


Bullpen:
6. Closer Brian Wilson
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $8.5 million

7. Setup Man Sergio Romo
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract 
2012 Salary: $1.575 million

8. Lefty Specialist Javier Lopez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2013
2012 Salary: $4.25 million

SAN FRANCISCO -- Left-handed reliever Javier Lopez has agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract to stay with the San Francisco Giants, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday.
Lopez -- one of baseball's most reliable lefties out of the bullpen -- had been set to become a free agent before receiving a new deal, confirmed under the condition of anonymity because the team had yet to make a formal announcement. Lopez will earn $4.25 million in 2012 and '13.

9. Right Handed Reliever Santiago Casilla
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $2.2 million

10. Left Handed Reliever Jeremy Affeldt
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $5 million

11. Right Handed Reliever Guillermo Mota
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1 million 

12. Long Man/Spot Starter Clay Hensley
2012 Salary Situation: Non Guaranteed Contract
2012 Salary: $750K 


Starting Lineup: 
13. Center Field Angel Pagan
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $4.85 million

The Mets avoided arbitration with outfielder Andres Torres on a deal worth $2.7MM, tweets Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.  The Mets also avoided arbitration with reliever Ramon Ramirez, agreeing to a $2.65MM deal, tweets ESPN's Enrique Rojas.

(Saltzman Says...By my count, we saved $500K.  With only that savings, I sure hope Pagan is a major upgrade from Torres, because Torres is a better defender and Ramirez was a very strong arm in the bullpen. I'm not sure if we will replace Ramirez with a better arm.)

14. Second Base Freddy Sanchez
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

15. Third Base Pablo Sandoval
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract through 2014
2012 Salary: $3.2 million

16. Catcher Buster Posey
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

17. Left Field Melky Cabrera
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $6 million

18. First Base Aubrey Huff
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $11 million

19. Right Field Nate Schierholtz
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.3 million

20. Shortstop Brandon Crawford
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

Bench:
21. Catcher Eli Whiteside
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $1 million

22. First Base Brett Pill
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

23. Infield Mike Fontenot
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.05 million

24. UT Ryan Theriot
2012 Salary Situation: Under Contract
2012 Salary: $1.25 million

25. 4th Outfield Brandon Belt
2012 Salary Situation: Team Controlled Contract
2012 Projected Salary: $480K

Bench Estimated Payroll Impact: $4 million

Estimated Payroll: $114 million
Aaron Rowand ($12 million)

Total Payroll: $126 million

Saltzman Says... Organizational Depth Chart (Jan. 12, 2012 Edition)

San Francisco's Updated Organizational Depth Chart: (1/12/12 Edition)

Right Handed Pitchers:

RHSP Matt Cain (ML)

RHRP Santiago Casilla (ML)
RHRP Steve Edlefson (ML)
RHSP Tim Lincecum (ML)
RHRP Guillermo Mota (ML)

RHRP Sergio Romo (ML)
RHSP Ryan Vogelsong (ML)

RHRP Brian Wilson (ML)
RHRP Boof Bonser (Invite to Spring Training)

RHP Dan Ortero (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
RHP Josh Banks (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Casey Daigle (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Andrew Kown (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHRP Marc Kroon (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Shane Loux (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Scott Munter (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Ronnie Ray (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Felix Romero (Fresno Grizzlies)
RHP Hector Correa (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)

RHP Justin Fitzgerald (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHRP Heath Hembree (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Mitch Lively (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Daryl Maday (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
RHP Edwin Quirarte (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

RHSP Jake Dunning (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jacob Dunnington (San Jose Giants)
RHP Stephen Harrold (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Chris Heston (San Jose Giants)

RHSP Michael Main (San Jose Giants)
RHP Osris Matos (San Jose Giants)
RHP Andy Reichard (San Jose Giants)
RHP Jose Valdez (San Jose Giants)
RHSP Craig Westcott (San Jose Giants)

RHP Chris Wilson (San Jose Giants)
RHP Brett Bochy (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Drew Bowlin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Edward Concepcion (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Austin Fleet (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Taylor Rogers (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Seth Rosin (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Shawn Sanford (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Justin Schumer (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Jeremy Toole (Augusta Green Jackets)
RHP Brandon Allen (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Wilber Bucardo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Brennan Flick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Kendry Flores (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Matthew Graham (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cody Hall (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Cameron Lamb (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Rafael Martinez (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Lorenzo Mendoza (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Reinier Roibal (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
RHP Stephen Shackleford (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Left Handed Pitchers:

LHP Jeremy Affeldt (ML)

LHP Madison Bumgarner (ML)

LHP Javier Lopez (ML)
LHP Dan Runzler (ML)
LHP Erik Surkamp (ML)

LHP Barry Zito (ML)
LHP Brian Burres (Invite to Spring Training)
LHP Matt Yourkin (Fresno Grizzlies)

LHP Justin Dowdy (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Geno Espineli (Fresno Grizzlies)
LHP Craig Clark (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chuck Lofgren (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LHP David Quinowski (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
LHP Chris Gloor (San Jose Giants)
LHSP Kelvin Marte (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ari Ronick (San Jose Giants)
LHP Tom Vessella (San Jose Giants)
LHP Ryan Bradley (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Michael Kickham (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Mario  Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Gaspar Santiago (Augusta Green Jackets)
LHP Aaron King (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Phil McCormick (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
LHP Jack Snodgrass (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------

Catchers:

C Buster Posey (ML)
C Hector Sanchez (ML) 

C Chris Stewart (ML)
C Eli Whiteside (ML)

C Jackson Williams (Fresno Grizzlies)

C Max Ramirez (Fresno Grizzlies)
C Aaron Lowenstein (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Johnny Monell (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
C Eliezer Zambrano (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

C Tommy Joseph (San Jose Giants)
C Alex Burg (San Jose Giants)
C Jesus Navarro (San Jose Giants)
C Jeff Arnold (Augusta Green Jackets)
C Daniel Burkhart (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Mike Murray (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
C Joseph Staley (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

First Baseman:

1B Aubrey Huff (ML)
1B Brandon Belt (ML) 

1B Brett Pill (ML)
1B Angel Villalona (???/40 Man)
1B Wes Hodges (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

1B Luke Anders (San Jose Giants)
1B Josh Mazzola (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Ryan Scoma (Augusta Green Jackets)
1B Brice Cutspec (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Second Baseman:

2B Manny Burris (ML)
2B Mike Fontenot (ML)
2B Freddy Sanchez (ML) 

2B Brock Bond (Fresno Grizzlies)
2B Charlie Culberson (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
2B Ryan Lormand (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
2B Ryan Covan (San Jose Giants)
2B Juan Ciriaco (San Jose Giants)
2B Carlos Willoughby (Augusta Green Jackets)
2B Kaohi Downing (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
2B Julio Izturis (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 

Third Baseman:

3B Pablo Sandoval (ML)

3B Conor Gillaspie (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)
3B Chris Dominguez (Richmond Flying Squirrels) 

3B Drew Biery (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
3B Nick Noonan (San Jose Giants) 
3B Jose Flores (San Jose Giants)
3B Adam Duvall (Augusta Green Jackets)
3B Garrett Buechele (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

---------- 
Shortstops:

SS Brandon Crawford (ML)
SS Joaquin Arias (???)

SS Sharlon Schoop (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
SS Ehire Adrianza (San Jose Giants/40 Man)
SS Carter Jurica (San Jose Giants)
SS Bobby Haney (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Ydwin Villegas  (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS Joel Weeks (Augusta Green Jackets)
SS John Eshleman (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
SS Joseph Panik (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)

----------

Outfielders:

LF Melky Cabrera (ML)
OF Justin Christian (ML)
CF Angel Pagan (ML)
RF Nate Schierholtz (ML)
OF Tyler Graham (Fresno Grizzlies/40 Man)

OF Justin Christian (Fresno Grizzlies)

OF Brad Eldred (Fresno Grizzlies) 
OF Edgar Gonzalez (Fresno Grizzlies)

RF Roger Kieschnick (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
CF Francisco Peguero (Richmond Flying Squirrels/40 Man)
LF Wendell Fairley (Richmond Flying Squirrels) 
CF Juan Perez (Richmond Flying Squirrels)

LF Skyler Stromsmoe (Richmond Flying Squirrels)
OF Gary Brown (San Jose Giants)
OF Jarrett Parker (San Jose Giants)

OF James Simmons (San Jose Giants)
OF Raynor Campbell (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Dan Cook (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Devin Harris (Augusta Green Jackets)
CF Chris Lofton (Augusta Green Jackets)
RF Ryan Lollis (Augusta Green Jackets)
LF Rafael Rodriguez (Augusta Green Jackets)

CF Jesus Galindo (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Ryan Honeycutt (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Charles Jones (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Brett Krill (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Leonardo Ochoa (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
OF Shawn Payne (Salem-Keizer Volcanoes)
----------
Designated Hitters
DH Tyler LaTorre (Fresno Grizzlies)  
DH Nick Liles (San Jose Giants)
----------

Saltzman Says...My 2012 Off-Season Checklist

1. Sign Tim Lincecum to a 5 year (2012-2016) $90 contract extension ('12 $15 mil, '13 $16 mil, '14 $18 mil, '15 $20 mil, '16 $21 mil)
2. Sign Matt Cain to a 5 year extension (2013-2017) $85 contract extension ('12 $15 mil, '13 $15 mil, '14 $16 mil,'15 $17 million, '16 $18 million, '17 $19 million)
3. Tell Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval and Brian Wilson that they will get extensions before the 2013 off-season. Tell Sergio Romo he will get his extension in 2014.
4. Make Brandon Belt an everyday player, sharing 1B and LF with Aubrey Huff and whoever plays LF.
5. Work out contracts to avoid salary arbitration with Santiago Casilla, Jeff Keppinger, Ramon Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Nate Schierholtz, Sergio Romo and Ryan Vogelsong.
6. Do not offer arbitration to Andres Torres and Jonathan Sanchez
7. Let Jeremy Affeldt ($500K buyout), Carlos Beltran, Pat Burrell, Orlando Cabrera, Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot, Cody Ross become free agents.
8. Re-Sign Jeremy Affeldt, Javier Lopez, and Guillermo Mota.
9. Sign a leadoff hitter who can play center field [i.e. Coco Crisp] to a 1-2 year contract.  Buffer for Gary Brown in two years, but also upgrade from Andres Torres/Cody Ross.
10. Do not sign any current players who are free agents to a contract lasting more than two years. {example: Beltran at 2 years, $20 million is smart, but 4 years $60 is way too much.}

1. Tim Lincecum
2. Matt Cain
3. Madison Bumgarner
4. Ryan Vogelsong
5. Barry Zito (Eric Surkamp)

6. Jeremy Affeldt
7. Santiago Casilla
8. Javier Lopez
9. Guillermo Mota
10. Ramon Ramirez
11. Sergio Romo
12. Brian Wilson

13. CF Coco Crisp [example]
14. 2B Freddy Sanchez
15. 3B Pablo Sandoval
16. C Buster Posey
17. LF Brandon Belt
18. 1B Aubrey Huff
19. RF Nate Schierholtz
20. SS Brandon Crawford

21. Chris Stewart
22. Brett Pill
23. Jeff Keppinger
24. Cody Ross
25. Darren Ford

Saltzman Says...Re-Post of Mid Season Report

San Francisco Giants Mid Season Report

A return to the World Series is obviously ideal, but first things first: Make the playoffs.  The best way to do that is to win the West.  As of today, the Giants are 44-34, a game and a half ahead of Arizona and 10 games over .500.  The team was 40-38 at the same time last year, and were in the midst of a seven game losing streak.

After all the injuries, and the worst run support in baseball, the Giants are in a better position to repeat as Western Division Champions.

As we approach the mid way point, here is my winners of my mid season awards:

MVP: Tim Lincecum
People are always so quick to name someone else the most valuable player so far this season because the expectations are so high for Lincecum.  But when you look at his results, he leads the teams in strikeouts, while giving up less earned runs and hits than the other two starters who have pitched all season (Cain, Bumgarner)  Jonathan Sanchez has given up less hits, but his walks is nearly double Lincecum.  The team's ace is the best pitcher on the best staff in baseball.  That makes him the Most Valuable Giant.  Period.


Lincecum and Romo might me the two best Giants so far in 2011

Most Improved Player: Sergio Romo
Romo has spent most of the last two years trying to become an 8th inning setup man for the Giants.  Not only has Romo solidified that in 2011, but he could arguably be the best pitcher on the staff so far this year.  He has been absolutely dominant, and has been putting up closer type stats.  He has 36 strikeouts and 4 walks in 24 innings.  He has helped keep the Giants bullpen one of the elite 'pens in all of baseball.

Best Surprise: Ryan Vogelsong
The former Giants farmhand spent most of his career in Japan, so when the 33 year old tried to make the team out of Spring Training, there were no expectations from fans.  When he didn't make the team, nobody was surprised because the team had 5 starting pitchers who were one of the healthiest in baseball in 2010.  However, when a foot injury sidelined Barry Zito, Vogelsong was called up.  All Vogelsong has done is led the staff in ERA (1.86), WHIP (1.09) and Walks per 9 (7.06) over his 11 starts.  All of this might mean a trip to Arizona during All-Star Weekend, despite starting the year in Fresno.

Most Reliable Player: Javier Lopez
Lopez had video game like numbers in the post-season last year, especially considering he had to face powerful left handed hitters Jason Heyward, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Josh Hamilton.  How could anyone be that dominant for an entire season against lefties?  Well if the first half of 2011 is any indication, Lopez can dominate any left handed hitter at any time.  Against left handers this year, he has an ERA of 1.00 over 18 innings worth of lefties.  He has only given up 6 hits and 2 earned runs in that span.  That certainly earns him the honor of Most Reliable.

Saltzman Says...Bochy must pick his own for the All-Star game

Bruce Bochy is a very smart baseball man.  He knows what he's doing.  He wouldn't make a decision without thinking it through.

1. Brian Wilson was selected by the players, so there was no Giant that had to be added to the All-Star roster.

2. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain both were brilliant in the 2010 post season, which goes unrecognized by All-Star game selections.

3. Tommy Hanson of Atlanta, Kyle Lohse of St. Louis and Ian Kennedy of Arizona were all statistically better than all three Giants added by Bochy.

4. There are no rules saying a manager has the pick the most qualified for this exhibition game.

5. With the winner deciding home field advantage for the World Series, why wouldn't a manager wants his own guys?

Bottom line, not only does Bruce Bochy have every right to add Lincecum, Cain and Ryan Vogelsong to the All-Star game.  Also, it is much better to make sure the best players on your own team are happy instead of the best players on other teams.

Saltzman Says...Bochy should bring his arms

With the All-Star game approaching the Giants certainly deserve more than 1 representative.  Since every team must have one representative, it is very possible that some deserving Giants will stay home so other teams can have a player at the game. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Brian Wilson have represented the Giants over the last three seasons, with Lincecum at all three. 

Lincecum is still the best pitcher on arguably the best staff in baseball.  Even with Roy Halladay having the more impressive stats, Lincecum certainly should make his 4th straight appearance. 

The arguments could certainly start here as to who else the Giants should send to Arizona in July.  Both Cain and Wilson have had good years, and with Bochy getting the chance to manage, I can't imagine not seeing the Giant's closer at his third All-Star game.

Cain's numbers aren't necessarily All-Star worthy compared to others around the league, but the Giants have three other members of their staff that certainly could make the argument they belong.  Journeyman Ryan Vogelsong has an ERA below 2 in 11 starts and has been the best pitcher statistically since his call up from Fresno.  Relievers Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez have had closer like success for the Giant's bullpen.  All  three could be options for the Giant's skipper.

Will all six be a part of the mid-summer classic: very unlikely.  However, I could see at least three of the six making the trip.

1. Lincecum
2. Wilson
3. Romo
4. Vogelsong
5. Lopez
6. Cain

Will Wilson earn a 3rd trip to the Midsummer Classic?

Saltzman Says...Giants Mid Season Awards

San Francisco Giants Mid Season Report

A return to the World Series is obviously ideal, but first things first: Make the playoffs.  The best way to do that is to win the West.  As of today, the Giants are 44-34, a game and a half ahead of Arizona and 10 games over .500.  The team was 40-38 at the same time last year, and were in the midst of a seven game losing streak.

After all the injuries, and the worst run support in baseball, the Giants are in a better position to repeat as Western Division Champions.

As we approach the mid way point, here is my winners of my mid season awards:

MVP: Tim Lincecum
People are always so quick to name someone else the most valuable player so far this season because the expectations are so high for Lincecum.  But when you look at his results, he leads the teams in strikeouts, while giving up less earned runs and hits than the other two starters who have pitched all season (Cain, Bumgarner)  Jonathan Sanchez has given up less hits, but his walks is nearly double Lincecum.  The team's ace is the best pitcher on the best staff in baseball.  That makes him the Most Valuable Giant.  Period.

Lincecum and Romo might me the two best Giants so far in 2011

Most Improved Player: Sergio Romo
Romo has spent most of the last two years trying to become an 8th inning setup man for the Giants.  Not only has Romo solidified that in 2011, but he could arguably be the best pitcher on the staff so far this year.  He has been absolutely dominant, and has been putting up closer type stats.  He has 36 strikeouts and 4 walks in 24 innings.  He has helped keep the Giants bullpen one of the elite 'pens in all of baseball.

Best Surprise: Ryan Vogelsong
The former Giants farmhand spent most of his career in Japan, so when the 33 year old tried to make the team out of Spring Training, there were no expectations from fans.  When he didn't make the team, nobody was surprised because the team had 5 starting pitchers who were one of the healthiest in baseball in 2010.  However, when a foot injury sidelined Barry Zito, Vogelsong was called up.  All Vogelsong has done is led the staff in ERA (1.86), WHIP (1.09) and Walks per 9 (7.06) over his 11 starts.  All of this might mean a trip to Arizona during All-Star Weekend, despite starting the year in Fresno.

Most Reliable Player: Javier Lopez
Lopez had video game like numbers in the post-season last year, especially considering he had to face powerful left handed hitters Jason Heyward, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Josh Hamilton.  How could anyone be that dominant for an entire season against lefties?  Well if the first half of 2011 is any indication, Lopez can dominate any left handed hitter at any time.  Against left handers this year, he has an ERA of 1.00 over 18 innings worth of lefties.  He has only given up 6 hits and 2 earned runs in that span.  That certainly earns him the honor of Most Reliable.