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Pablo Sandoval hit .345 with 3HR and 24RBI with Giants in 143 AB in 2008.

The Giants just signed Randy Johnson and added the Big Unit to their young pitching staff, furthermore stabilizing their already formidable rotation. He should fit in well between ace Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain.  The Big Unit is a 5 time Cy Young Award winner and that makes three Cy Youngs on the Giants pitching staff with Lincecum (2008), Zito (2002) and Johnson.  So the rotation and bullpen are set. The Giants just need to go out and get one more corner infielder with some pop to complete their already busy offseason. Here are the projections for 2009 season if the roster was set as is of today.

Projected Rotation:

SP1 Tim Lincecum RHP- 18-5 2.62 E.R.A, 2008 NL Cy Young Award Winner

SP2 Randy Johnson LHP- 12-11 3.91 E.R.A, 5-Time Cy Young Award Winner

SP3 Matt Cain RHP- 8-14 3.76 E.R.A

SP4 Barry Zito LHP- 10-17 5.15 E.R.A, Former Cy Young Award Winner

SP5 Jonathan Sanchez LHP- 9-11 5.01 E.R.A

Sixth Man: Noah Lowry LHP- 14-8 3.92 E.R.A in 07′, Led Giants in Wins in 2007 with 14.

CL Brian Wilson RHP- 3-2 4.62 E.R.A with 41 Saves, NL All Star in 2008

Projected Lineup:

1 Randy Winn RF -   .306 Avg. 10HR 64RBI 25SB

2 Edgar Renteria SS - .270 Avg. 10HR 55RBI 6SB

3 Pablo Sandoval 3B - .345 Avg. 3HR 24RBI w/ Giants,  Hit .347Avg. with 23HR and 120RBI combined Minors and Majors.

4 Bengie Molina C - .292 Avg. 16HR 95RBI

5 Fred Lewis LF - .282Avg. 9HR 40RBI 21SB

6 Aaron Rowand CF - .271Avg. 13HR 70RBI 2SB

7 Travis Ishikawa 1B - .274 Avg. 3HR 15RBI 1SB w/ Giants, Hit .294Avg. 27HR 109RBI combined in Minors and Majors.

8 Emmanuel Burriss 2B - .283 Avg. 1HR 18RBI 13 SB

Bench:

 Kevin Frandsen 2B/Util. - Didn’t play, only 1 AB in 2008 due to injury. Hitting .331Avg. with 1HR and 17RBI and 10 SB in 133 AB for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.

Eugenio Velez 2B/OF - .262 Avg. 1HR 30RBI 15SB. Hitting .339 with 2HR 10RBI 3SB for Estrellas de Oriente for the Dominican Winter League.

Dave Roberts OF - .261Avg. 2HR 14RBI with Giants, combined with Minors and Majors.

Nate Schierholtz OF - .320Avg. 19HR 78RBI 9SB combined with Minors and Majors

John Bowker 1B-OF - .251 Avg. 12HR 52RBI combined with Minors and Majors.

Buster Posey was the Giants Top Pick in 2008.

Well the 2009 season is nearing, but let’s flash forward to 2010. This is what the Giants are building for is the 2010 season. The pieces they added for 2009 will help, but you shall see it full affect in 2010 when the Giants top prospects will be ready to start a new era for our beloved Giants.  The top prospects I am talking about is catcher Buster Posey, who will take over for Bengie Molina and pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson will take over the starter roles for Noah Lowry, who will be a free agent in 2010 and based on his recent injuries will most likely not be back and depending on what happens to Jonathan Sanchez. You add in these prospects to complement young, resurgent players like Pablo Sandoval, Emmanuel Burriss, and Nate Schierholtz, as well as Travis Ishikawa and Kevin Frandsen in with veterans Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria, and Barry Zito and you have pretty good bunch here, ready to contend for 2010 and beyond.  But 2010 also brings me to another thing, is Matt Holliday will most likely be a free agent and looking to play for a contender. He also will most likely want to stay on the West Coast leaving only four options: Colorado Rockies, his former team who will most likely not go back to because they are building for the future with rising players like Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki and Ian Stewart; Los Angeles Dodgers, who have no need for Holliday if they sign Manny Ramirez before the 2009 season starts and they still have Juan Pierre, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier in the crowded outfield; So it comes down to the Angels, who just signed Juan Rivera to three year deal and they will still have Torii Hunter and Gary Matthews Jr and Reggie Willits in the outfield, but will most likely try to resign Vladimir Guerrero, who will also be a free agent after the 2009 season and the only team left that seems ready to contend is the Giants, who will lose Randy Winn to free agency and only have Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand, and the unproven Nate Schierholtz in the outfield.  So the need for Matt Holliday is there and the Giants will also have the money to spend for a big bat like Holliday, especially with Bengie Molina, Randy Winn, Noah Lowry, and Dave Roberts big salaries coming off their payroll.  So if the Giants add Matt Holliday, then the Giants will not only turn into contenders, but will be a team to watch out for in the playoffs. Moreover, here is my 2010 projections for the Giants Starting Rotation and Lineup.

Starting Rotation:

SP1 Tim Lincecum

SP2 Matt Cain

SP3 Madison Bumgarner

SP4 Barry Zito

SP5 Tim Alderson or Kevin Pucetas

Projected Lineup:

1 Nate Schierholtz or Fred Lewis RF

2 Edgar Renteria SS

3 Pablo Sandoval 3B

4 Matt Holliday LF

5 Buster Posey C

6 Aaron Rowand CF

7 Travis Ishikawa or Angel Villalona 1B

8 Kevin Frandsen or Emmanuel Burriss 2B

2008 CY Young Award WinnerTim Lincecum is the featured ace in the NL West.

Well, we all know who the best players in the National League, as well as in the American League, as presented in each All-Star game. But I want to put together an All-Star team based out of the NL West Division, just for kicks. So here is what the 25-Man ALL NL West team would look like.

Rotation:

SP1 Tim Lincecum RHP/Giants-He is the undisputed ace of the NL West and of the whole league. This 2008 NL CY Young Award winner was 18-5 with a 2.62 E.R.A and led the majors in strikeouts (265) all for the lowly, fourth-place Giants.

SP2- Jake Peavy RHP/ Padres- The 2007 NL CY Young Award winner is the #2, well let’s just face it he didn’t have a great year for the last place Padres, not really his fault as his 10-11 record with a 2.85 E.R.A dictates.

SP3- Brandon Webb RHP/ D-Backs- The 2006 NL CY Young Award Winner and 2008 NL CY Young Runner-up is the three starter.  He had a tremendous year in 2008 with a record of 22-7, but had a 3.30 E.R.A, which gives Lincecum and Peavy the edge over him.

SP4- Dan Haren RHP/ D-Backs- The starter for the AL in the 2007 All-Star Game also had a solid year and is the 4 starter.

SP5- Chad Billingsley RHP/ Dodgers- This was a tough choice to choose between Matt Cain, Aaron Cook, and Billingsley. But Billingsley had the better season of the three and took his team to the playoffs.  He anchors this rotation. He had a 16-10 record with a 3.14 E.R.A and had 201 strikeouts in 200 plus innings pitched.

Bullpen:

LRP6- Aaron Cook  RHP/ Rockies- This sinkerballer would be the long-relief man for the squad. He had 16 wins in 2008 for the Colorado Rockies.

LRP7- Clayton Kershaw LHP/ Dodgers- This rookie phenom is a southpaw who throws hard and can pitch. He is also only 20 years old and got a taste of the playoffs in 2008. 

MRP8- Matt Cain RHP/ Giants- This young power pitcher has the potential to be a CY Young someday and would be the power arm for middle-relief of this bullpen, and he could spot start if Billingsley or Haren falters at all. 

MRP9- Corey Wade RHP/ Dodgers- Wade had a solid rookie season in the bullpen for the Dodgers in 2008. He had a 2-1 record with a 2.23 E.R.A 71 1/3 IP.

SU10- Heath Bell RHP/ Padres- The new closer for the San Diego Padres has been a setup man the last two seasons for the Padres and has done a good job, nonetheless for them. 

SU11- Jonathan Broxton RHP/ Dodgers- The inherited closer for the Dodgers had a solid season and can throw in the upper 90’s and with his big frame, is a workhorse for your bullpen.  He can setup or close.

CL12- Brian Wilson RHP/ Giants- With Trevor Hoffman out of the NL West for the 1st time in how many years, but the closer nod has to go to Brian Wilson, the 2008 NL All-Star who can hit the 100MPH on the radar and had 41 saves for the lowly Giants in 2008.

Now the fun part, the projected lineup and bench for this ALL NL West team.

Lineup:

1 Rafael Furcal 2B/Dodgers- This one-time Rookie of the Year had an injury-prone season in 2008 but hit .357 in 143 AB’s and had 8 stolen bases.

2 Troy Tulowitzki SS/Rockies - The 2007 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up didn’t have a great sophomore campaign, mainly due to injuries. But he had a strong second half and finished the year batting .263 with 8HR and 46RBI in 377 AB’s.

3 Matt Kemp CF/ Dodgers- .290 Avg. 18HR 76RBI with 35 SB.

4 Adrian Gonzalez 1B/ Padres- .280 Avg. 36HR 119RBI

5 Garrett Atkins 3B/ Rockies- .286 Avg. 21HR 99RBI with 1 SB.

6 Conor Jackson LF/ D-Backs- .300 Avg. 12HR 75RBI with 10 SB.

7 Brad Hawpe RF/ Rockies- .283 Avg. 25HR 85RBI with 2 SB.

8 Pablo Sandoval DH/ Giants- .345 Avg. 3HR 24RBI in 145 AB as a rookie.

9 Russell Martin C/ Dodgers- .280 Avg. 13HR 69RBI with 18 SB.

Bench:

Bengie Molina C/ Giants- .292Avg. 16HR 95RBI

Stephen Drew Util./ D-Backs- .291Avg. 21HR 67RBI with 3 SB.

Andre Ethier OF/ Dodgers- .305 Avg. 20HR 77RBI with 6 SB.

James Loney 1B/ Dodgers- .289Avg. 13HR 90RBI with 7 SB.

Randy Winn OF/ Giants- .306Avg. 10HR 64RBI with 25 SB.

Merry Christmas to all my fans and everyone out there. I hope you have a safe and happy holidays.  Well let’s get down to business as 2009 approaches.  My only wish for New Year’s is for the Giants to sign potentially-soon-to-be free agent outfielder Matt Holliday after the 2009 season comes to a close.  Giants will have the money for one, with Bengie Molina, Randy Winn, and Dave Roberts’ big salaries  coming off their payroll.  Two: Holliday would love to stay on the West Coast and return to the NL West and show his Rockies what they will be missing.  And Three: his move would not be a far one for him and his family, just go across to bridge to beautiful San Francisco.  With Randy Winn gone and Fred Lewis possibly being trade bait in the offseason with his strong upside and being an upcoming player with his speed and tools.  So Holliday would fill a void in the outfield left by Randy Winn and he also would bring the Giants a superstar leftfielder that the Giants have been missing since Barry Bonds, who also happened to be a left fielder. But the thing Holliday brings is no baggage, he is a true professional, is only going to be 30 when the 2010 season begins. It is only 2008 and the 2009 season is nearing, but I want to concentrate and flash forward to 2010 season where the Giants should be likely contenders for 2010 and beyond with their upcoming prospects in catcher Buster Posey, second baseman Nick Noonan, first baseman Angel Villalona, and stud arms in Madison Bumgarner, Tim Alderson, and even Kevin Pucetas if he still in the Giants system.  So the pieces are there for a contender, and Holliday would put the Giants into World Series Contenders.  And I bet you anything the seats will be filled everyday at AT & T Park with Holliday taking left field everyday for the Giants and with Lincecum and the other young arms the Giants have.  Holliday will also bring a buzz to the Giants and will make the rest of the lineup even better. You add in young phenom corner infielder Pablo Sandoval and throw in Nate Schierholtz in right field to complement Rowand and Holliday and you have a pretty darn good outfield. Giants will also still have Renteria at short stop and second base will still be manned by either Emmanuel Burriss or Kevin Frandsen.  So the future is bright and want all of you to keep a mind on what is on verge in the market for after the 2009 season and that is Matt Holliday!!! Please, I hope management is thinking out of the box and starting to keep an eye on and preparing to make a run at Matt Holliday. That is my only wish for the New Year in 2009 and give me that Giant Holliday and get Matty up on board with the Giants.!!!!!! 

       The Patten University Baseball team opens up its 2009 season on the road against perennial Southern California NAIA Master’s College on Jan. 23rd in Santa Clarita, CA.  The Lions are eager to start the 2009 campaign and look to forget the disastrous season a year ago, where they finished the 08′ season at 11-42. However, with new recruits and some incoming transfers, as well as some key returners, the Patten Lions led by Head Coach Darin Wright look to bounce back this season and have a big opportunity to garner a playoff berth and from there a berth to the NAIA World Series at Lewis-Clark State University in Lewiston, Idaho.  The Lions will also be joining the Cascade Collegiate Conference, which comprises of two divisions, nine teams, and one floater, independent team in Cal State University-San Marcos.  So the Lions also have a chance to compete for a Conference Championship as well.  The Lions look to start off this season with a new campaign of “Distribution” and “Heart”.  These are two ideals the team looks to instill into their program.  Distribution, meaning everyone will have a role, big or small, and contribute as much as they can to the team’s success, because it’s not going to take one, but the whole team to be successful on and off the field.  Moreover, the Lions are ready to go.  Here are the projections for the Lions’ 2009 lineup and rotation.

Lineup:

1 Jeremy Wells 2B/Sr.

2 Anthony Phillips LF/Jr.*

3 Deandre Walker 3B/Sr.

4 Ryan Davis RF/Jr.*

5 Brian Peat 1B/Jr.

6 Max Burnett C/Jr.*

7 Chris Brigham DH/Sr.*

8 Phillip Gonzalez CF/Jr.*

9 Brett Korporal SS/Sr.

Bench:

Phil Nyhoff 1B/Fr.*

Luke Heil Util/Jr.

Jordan Wesley C/Sr.

Beau Delis OF/Fr.*

David Deyess OF/So.

Nick Robertson OF/Jr.*

Ryan Fukishima OF/So.

Starting Rotation:

#1 Chris Duke RHP/Sr.*

#2 Larry Collins RHP/So.

#3 Kurtis Brown RHP/Sr.

#4 Graig Whelan RHP/Sr.

#5 Mike McCormack LHP/So.

Bullpen:

LRP6 Phillip Gonzalez LHP/Jr.*

LRP7 Kevin Beachom RHP/Jr.*

LRP8 Chris Berens RHP/Fr.*

MRP9 Charlie Baker LHP/Sr.

MRP10 Kevin Cheechov RHP/Sr.

MRP11 Billy Moss RHP/Fr.*

MRP12 Zach Clarke RHP/So.

SU13 Brian Peat RHP/Jr.

CL14 Joe Salazar RHP/So.

*Transfers/Newcomers

   The San Francisco Giants have had a busy offseason, thus,  so far.  They have revamped their bullpen with the signings of southpaw reliever Jeremy Affeldt and reliever Bob Howry, who has experience as a setup man and closer.  And they also have upgraded at shortstop and filled their void left by the departed and aging Omar Vizquel with Edgar Renteria. Renteria, who is coming off a dismal year in 08′ where hit .270Avg. with 10HR and 55RBI, looks to rebound in the National League, where had success in 07′ with the Atlanta Braves as he hit .332Avg. with 12HR and 67RBI.  Either way, Renteria should fill a void there at shortstop and give the Giants some pop from the #2 hole in the lineup.  The Giants starting pitching, already a strength with its formidable rotation of Cy Young ace Tim Lincecum, young powerballer Matt Cain, former Cy Young Barry Zito, and southpaw Jonathan Sanchez.  With Noah Lowry’s health a concern going into 2009 season, the Giants need some insurance and will most likely look to the veteran left-hander Randy Johnson, who is 45, but might be worth a low-risk one year deal to guide the young pitchers Jonathan Sanchez and Matt Cain.  He would complement well with the Giants and is also a local in the bay area, as he grew up in Livermore area, about 40 minutes from San Francisco.  So the commute for some of his family and old friends should be easy. Another hole that the Giants could fill through free agency is at the hot corner: third base.  And their are two viable candidates, but one that would particularly fit well with the Giants. And that is 2008 All-Star third baseman Joe Crede, formerly of the Chicago White Sox.  He is coming off a back-injury that cost him most of the season in 2008, however when healthy, he is a proven all-star caliber third baseman, defensively and offensively. He has some pop to as he hit .249 with 17HR and 55RBI’s in only 97 games last season.  So a full season of a healthy Joe Crede would be a bonus for the Giants and fill their void at third base.  Crede is also only 30 years old so fairly young and would only require a one to two-year deal and could negotiate a deal that works well with both sides with Scott Boras being his agent.  The Giants have the money still after not having to make a big splash yet and freeing up a lot of money after the season was over.  So the Giants got only a couple holes left to fill in this offseason and I feel those two guys are Starter Randy Johnson and third baseman Joe Crede.  By the way, Joe Crede is also good friends with centerfielder Aaron Rowand (teammates on the Chicago White Sox), so that could be good for both guys and could translate to some success for Rowand, having a friend and close teammate in the clubhouse. Since team chemistry is key to any success.

Cy Young Tim Lincecum is the Giants legitimate ace.

 There is no concern with C.C. Sabathia signing and going to the Yankees for a mega-deal.   The Giants would’ve loved to have him of course and it would’ve strengthened an already formidable rotation, but one thing Giants need is flexibility in their payroll for the future and try to upgrade their offense as best they can.  Management feels the same way about it.  Plus, Giants already have their own ace who is already entering his own prime in only his second big league season in Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum.  That is all you need to build a team is have one strong ace and you build around that.  And the other Giants in the rotation ain’t no slouches either.  You got Matt Cain, 23 years old and is a power pitcher with a lot of upside and can win a Cy Young someday.  The same goes to lefty 25 year old Jonathan Sanchez.  He has tremendous stuff and showed that in the 1st half of the season. If he can be consistent, he can put up great numbers as the number 3 starter.  And then you got former Cy Young award winner Barry Zito.  He didn’t have a great year in 2007 or 2008, but he has shown improvement in the 2nd half of both seasons with the Giants. If he can put it together for a whole season and be consistent, then the Giants will be alright. And if Noah Lowry returns to full health, as he was the Giants wins leader with 14 wins in 07′ then you got a great staff that can help contend for and NL West Divisional title.  And you also got great young arms down in the farm in Kevin Pucetas, a 5th starter candidate coming off a strong campaign in the minors, and then you MiLB Most Spectacular Pitcher and Minor League Pitcher of the Year at his level (Single-A) in Madison Bumgarner, who is also only 19 years old, and you also got another stud in Tim Alderson.  So the Giants, as far as starting pitching goes, looks fine.  So pretty much all the Giants need is a little more offense and some punch in that lineup and they will be okay in 2009.  They have already revamped their bullpen in signing lefty Jeremy Affeldt and setup man Bob Howry to complement with young, rising arms in Sergio Romo, Alex Hinshaw, and Merkin Valdez and help bridge the gap and hold a lead for All-Star Closer Brian Wilson.   So the Giants are already thinking their team is improved with their bullpen alone and should help them win more games, especially the close ones.  As for the offensive side of things, they have added Edgar Renteria to fill the void at shortstop and he should be an upgrade at the spot even with his limited range but think of the short stops the Giants used last year (Omar Vizquel, Emmanuel Burriss, Ivan Ochoa, and Brian Bocock) and you have an upgrade as far as the offensive side is concerned with Renteria. A full year with  rookie sensation Pablo Sandoval at third base and if Travis Ishikawa can put together a solid offensive campaign in 09′ at first base, the Giants shall be contenders.  He will have John Bowker pushing him at first base, as well as Minor League signing of first baseman-catcher Josh Phelps, who had tremendous numbers at Triple-A in the Cardinals system last season.  So the Giants don’t look half bad with the lineup and roster they have set as of today. I can already tell you that they are better than last season’s team.  And the second base job is up for grabs with three viable candidates in Kevin Frandsen, Emmanuel Burriss, and Eugenio Velez.  All are fairly young and lack experience, but can fill the spot there.  Maybe a platoon of Frandsen and Burriss will happen, with the one who performs better will be the everyday guy. It is usually the guy from within, rather than an offseason acquisition who steps up and performs well and is the surprise guy on your team.  I am pulling for Kevin Frandsen, as he was predicted to take over for Ray Durham at 2nd base going to the 2008 season, but an achilles tendon injury pretty much cost him the whole season.  I am excited for the 2009 season and look forward to some exciting things and a possible postseason run in the near future.  Anything is possible in the inconsistent NL West.  And Giants can still sign one or two more players via trade or free agency. Only time will tell what management does and decides is best for the team going forward.  You can only get better.

me n my Mom

   Patten University Baseball season starts on January 23rd.  Each player on behalf of the Patten University Baseball Program, including myself, has to do fundraising and raise $1,500 for the season in order to help cover costs for our road trips to Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Southern California. We had a chance to raise some funds through UC Berkley football events, Raiders football, and 49ers football events. However, I am short in reaching my quota.  So I need your guys’ help. I am looking for anyone of my fans on here or anyone who loves baseball in general and wants to help me out by donating even $1 or more to me (Charlie Baker) and the Patten University Baseball Team. It will be greatly appreciated. Remember,   it is the Christmas Holidays and I am working hard to fundraise more money so I can reach my quota. I want to thank all of you for reading my posts and look forward to writing more blogs for your leisure and entertainment in the near future.  I would deeply appreciate it if you can help me out by a donation, we accept Check, Cashier Check or Money Order, and we can write-it off for you for taxes and such.  Please, if anyone would be generous to help me out in anyway you can please send your donation to me Charlie Baker or Patten Baseball and mail it to either my address at or the school’s address at:  

Charlie Baker

2875 Tango Lane

Brentwood, CA 94513

           or

Patten Baseball

 2433 Coolidge Ave.

Oakland, CA 94601

Also, if you decide to help, please tell them you are sponsoring or helping me, Charlie Baker out, and our Coach Darin Wright will be able to send you a receipt to write-off on.  Thanks, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone!

The San Francisco Giants aren’t playing around this offseason with their new owner Bill Neukom at the helm. They have made another splash in the free agent market so far this season in signign reliever Bob Howry to a one-year deal worth 2.75 million. This could be a steal for the Giants if Howry can put up the impressive numbers he put up in the last 4 years before in 08′.  Howry is coming off an inconsistent year as he finished the season with the Cubs with a 7-5 record and a 5.35 E.R.A in 72 appearances.  However, Howry and newcomer Jeremy Affeldt look to bolster the Giants bullpen next season, which was a major weakness for them.  They look to bridge the gap to closer Brian Wilson, along with Sergio Romo,  Alex Hinshaw, and Merkin Valdez.  Jack Taschner seems to be the odd man out of this bullpen with the one available spot in the bullpen being battled out by Keiichi Yabu, Billy Sadler, and Justin Miller (Florida Marlins), who signed a minor-league contract earlier this season with an invite to spring training.

  Now that the Giants have shored up their bullpen and strengthened it, they turn their focus to their offense, which lacked punch last year. The Giants are on verge of making another splash in signing Edgar Renteria to a low-risk two-year deal estimated to be worth 18 million. The Giants and Renteria’s agent are just finalizing the deal and closing some loose ends and also pending a physical from Renteria. So count the Giants out of the hunt for Rafael Furcal and turn the page to either the top prized in this year’s free agent market in southpaw C.C. Sabathia. The Giants are very interested in Sabathia and Sabathia wouldn’t mind playing for the Giants and be near his hometown and pitch in the National League.  In his mind, there is nothing sweeter than that, especially if Giants give him a deal of 6 years and 120 million (20 mil. a year). Yeah Zito is making almost 18 mil. a year for the last 5 years remaining on his contract and you dont want two starting pitchers making a combined 38 million, however, their is always room to increase payroll to over 80 million which the Giants haven’t done in awhile.   And there is no problem in investing your money in the   2007 AL Cy Young Award winner and 2008 MLB Clutch Performer Award. And he would furthermore bolster an already strong rotation. In signing Sabathia, the Giants would be definite contenders and would feature one of the best rotations in the game in Sabathia, Lincecum, Cain, Zito and Lowry.  You have 3 former or current Cy Young winners, one young rising star, and the 2007 wins leader for your team in Lowry (14 wins in 07′) And in bolstering their rotation, it would allow them to trade starter Jonathan Sanchez to the Marlins for third baseman Jorge Cantu. Cantu would fill a void at third base for the Giants with his bat as he hit .277 with 29HR and 95 RBI’s. Cantu would be a cheaper alternative too and easily bat cleanup or 5th for the Giants with his pop and bat.  Other secondary options to upgrade the lineup is first baseman-outfielder Adam Dunn and Outfielder Pat Burrell.  Both would add some power to the lineup, but would fill a spot that is overcrowded, such as 1st base and outfield.