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Next on the list we have the San Francisco Giants, although they probably only deserve to be called the San Francisco Giant and friends. Because literally, they have a single giant in Randy Johnson, or a lone figurative giant in the league's top pitcher Tim Lincecum. Conjecture aside, are they any good? Let's get into it...

The San Francisco Giants

Last Season’s Result: 72-90, 4th place in the NL West.

Major Offseason Changes

• Added SS Edgar Renteria (Signed from Detroit)
• Added RP Jeremy Affeldt (Signed from Cincinnati)
• Added SP Randy Johnson (Signed from Arizona)
• Added RP Bob Howry (Signed from Chicago Cubs)
• Lost SS Omar Vizquel (Signed with Texas)

Letter Grades

• Offseason Moves: C+ I like the Additions to the staff, although Randy Johnson is a huge question mark. The Renteria signing has been universally panned as among the worst of the offseason. While Renteria may still have something to contribute, it is widely accepted that the Giants greatly overpaid Renteria.

• Rotation Grade: B Go back in time five years and tell a Giants fan that their #3 and 4 starting pitchers are Barry Zito and Randy Johnson, they’d have either not believed you or gone into some sort of celebratory dance. Alas, that reality has unfolded, although it’s not quite everything you would have thought back in 2003. Fear not Giants fans, after all you still have the best pitcher in baseball in Tim Lincecum, and he’s only 24 years old!

• Bullpen Grade: C- This unit was near the bottom of the NL rankings in 2008, and the Giants made a few additions to try and bolster the supporting cast around closer Brian Wilson. Those reinforcements come in the form of lefty Jeremy Affeldt and right-handed thrower Bob Howry. Affledt will be a valuable addition, although Howry, who had an off-year in 2008, isn’t as much a sure thing.

• Lineup Grade: D This group was 3 runs away from being the worst in the league in 2008. They have no power, nor a reliable run producer. I think by May the Giants will regret not being more aggressive in their attempts at signing Manny Ramirez. I think maybe the Giants should consider trying to add a power hitting bat, although there’s only one currently available, Mr. Barry Bonds.

Player most closely linked to team’s 2009 hopes: Aaron Rowand. Somebody in that lineup needs to lead this young offense, and Rowand has to be that guy. They have very little power in their lineup, so they’ll need to get by on smarts, hustling, and grit all of which Rowand will provide in spades. Let’s hope for the Giants’ sake that it’s contagious.

Biggest Breakout Star Potential: Travis Ishikawa, the young first baseman will hit in the middle of the order, and has an outside shot at 25 homers and 90 RBIs. He's not a lock by any means, but he has some talent and will get the best chance to shine.

Best Case Scenario: Somebody hits, and they manage to break above .500. Meanwhile the rest of the shaky NL West falls short of their potentials and the Giants are contenders.

Worst Case Scenario: Nobody hits, and the pitching staff behind Lincecum and Matt Cain struggles, and this team ends up in the cellar.

Prediction for 2009: 82-80, 3rd place in the NL West.

Local Thoughts

By: Grant from the McCovey Chronicles

• Letter Grade for Offseason Moves: B. I know everyone's panning the Renteria move, and it really looks like a drastic overpay in hindsight, but the Giants really needed a shortstop on a short-term deal. Obviously, the Giants would rather have Orlando Cabrera and an extra $14M. Brian Sabean jumped on his targets early...unfortunately, it was the worst year in history to do so. Still, the Giants are a better team than last year.

• Most Essential: Travis Ishikawa. The Giants have zero power, so if they could get 20 or 25 homers from Ishikawa (along with a decent OBP), the offense will be better than anticipated.

• Breakout Potential: Sergio Romo. He's a funky rightie reliever who has always had great K/BB rates in the minors, and I think he's going to be a reliable late-inning option.

• Prediction for 2009: 79-83, third place. That's what my brain says, at least. I'm excited for the season, though, so my heart's telling me 90-72, first place. My heart also told me that The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was going to be just fantastic, so keep that in mind.

Thanks again to Grant, and good luck Giants fans.