San Francisco Giants 2009 Season Preview

In 2007, the Giants were known as a one man team. The whole season was not focused on winning but was just focused on one man’s historic home run chase. In 2008, the Giants seemed like they were still only a one man team.

The fans just wanted to watch Tim Lincecum chase his CY Young award. But this off season was different; it seemed as if management wants the Giants to win the N.L. West in 09.

As 2009 season draws near the San Francisco Giantshave put together arguably the best starting rotation in the major leagues. The rotation begins with CY Young award winner Tim Lincecum.

In the No. 2 slot is the 5 time CY Young award winner Randy Johnson. We will see Matt Cain pitch in the No. 3 spot.

The over-paid Barry Zito will be in the 4th spot trying to win the fans back with some wins. Jonathan Sanchez will be in the 5th spot after his nice spring and his win in the World Baseball Classic.

One problem with this team based on pitching and youth is power. This ball club has not had a big bat since the team got rid of the Home Run King in 2007.

Since Barry Bonds departure the Giants home run leader was Bengie Molina. Molina hit just 16 home runs last season down from Barry Bonds 28 in 2007. This is without a doubt the Giants biggest problem.

The key player in 2009 is Aaron Rowand. Most people would think I’m not thinking properly when I say Rowand is the Giants key player this year but after his terrible second half this teams chances on making the 2009 playoffs may just be based on if he bounces back to his old self.

The player on the San Francisco Giants who has the most potent ional would have to be Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval did so well when he came up to the Majors last season he got to use Bengie Molina’s nickname.

Now Giant fans call Sandoval “Little Money” and Bengie “Big Money.” Sandoval hit .345 24 rbis and 3 home runs. Sandoval also showed how valuable he could be to his team on defense by being able to play catcher, third, or even first base.

 So this brings us to the question will the Giants make the playoffs in 2009. That answer lies in the Giants themselves and the team’s ability to score runs.