The San Francisco Giants won the 2010 World Series.
I love typing that, because the numbness in my fingers have yet to leave since November 1st, 2010, the day of all days.
Basically this team was never going to win a ring in San Francisco. After putting together an All-Star lineup with guys like Mays and McCovey in the 60's, drafting a young core in the 80's with Clark and Thompson, as well as acquiring one of the best hitters in the history of the game in the early 00's, the Giants were considered cursed.
Last year, the Giants competed and battled with the Dodgers, Rockies and the surprisingly decent Padres all year long, with ranks ranging from 4th place to eventually 1st.
Heading into spring training, this season looks different. Will the Giants crumble under the high expectations set by the fans? Will they be better than last season? Will Tim Lincecum ever cut his hair?
So many questions, and so far, zero answers. For now, all I can provide is some predictions for you fantasy owners.
Key Acquisitions:
Miguel Tejada (Signed)
Jeff Suppan (signed minor league contract)
Key Losses:
Juan Uribe (Signed with Dodgers)
Edgar Renteria (Signed with Reds)
Eugenio Velez (Signed with Dodgers)
Jose Guillen (Free Agent)
Players to Target
I believe the top two fantasy values for 2011 on the Giants team is RHP Tim Lincecum, and catcher Buster Posey. Tim Lincecum had his worst season last year, but was still the Giants best pitcher, and was also still one of the top pitchers in the NL. He had a 16-10 record with a 3.43 ERA with a WAR of 3.5. Still a very decent season, but not as good as his first two seasons where he posted WARs of 6.9 and 6.3 respectively. This season Yahoo! Sports has him projected as the 3rd highest ranked pitcher averaging a pick in the 3rd round. I have my own projected numbers for Tim next season here, but here's his value: he has yet to suffer any serious injuries, and he strikes out a whole lot of hitters, big fantasy value here.
Buster Posey is another story. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year only played two thirds of last season but still punched out 18 home runs and 67 RBI while hitting .305/.357/.505. He also had an outrageous month in July that included a 21-game hitting streak. He is due for a whole season starting at a quiet offensive position at catcher. He will be a big upgrade for most fantasy teams next year as Yahoo! thinks he is worthy of the 41st pick overall. Here are my projected numbers from Mr. Posey. Get him if you can.
Sleepers
There are a couple candidates under this category: Pablo Sandoval and rookie Brandon Belt. Sandoval has the edge here, as Belt has yet to claim a starting spot at 1st base. Sandoval struggled last season after a fantastic rookie season at 3rd base. Now he has been working hard this off season to regain his powerful hitting and above average defense. He has been documenting his workout progress and he looks a lot thinner, and way more determined. If he isn't drafted in your league, pick him up afterwards, he could surprise all of us once again.
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