For the 8th edition of team previews I will give my take on the San Francisco Giants. Pitching, Pitching, and more Pitching is what the Giants really offer fantasy wise. The hope this year is that third baseman Pablo Sandoval will put things together. If he does so and newcomer Melky Cabrera continues his success from last year the Giants will be a threat out in the NL West. Oh ya lets not forget the return of their #3 hitter and all star catcher Buster Posey.

San Francisco Giants
The Giants have 3 legitimate aces anchoring their pitching staff. With a solid bull pen, led by the beard himself, the Giants will hold a lot of their opponents to a few runs per game. The biggest question in San Fran is if their offense will put up enough runs to eek out some close wins.

2012 Outlook
I think if Melky can hit the way he did last year and if Sandoval can just play all year long the Giants offense will be strong enough for them to stay within a few games of 1st come the trade deadline. If this is the case look for them to try to bring in a bat half way through the year. If top prospects Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford don't pan out I think they could be dealt for a proven slugger. If Posey has a, comeback player of the year type, season I think the Giants will have a good chance to come out of the NL West.



Fantasy Impact Players
Tim Lincecum SP
A fantasy #1 who should go in the 3rd round of your drafts. I love the K's and my only concern is his health. He is a little guy who has thrown a lot of innings over the past 4 years (918.2 innings, includes the postseason).

• MY PROJECTIONS: 15-10, 238 K's, 3.04 ERA, 1.08 WHIP.

Matt Cain SP I think that Cain is actually the less risky pick here in terms of injury concerns but the K's wont come close. Cain is a solid #2 pitcher in your fantasy leagues. Don't let the offense scare you away he is about as consistent as they come.

• MY PROJECTIONS: 14-8, 187 K's, 3.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP.

Madison Bumgarner SP I love what this youngster offers the Giants and his fantasy owners. In terms of matching up #3 starters Bumgarner may be the second best (Cole Hamels). I love Bumgarner this year and I think he has a chance to vault into the top 15 if he gets lucky enough with wins.

• MY PROJECTIONS: 15-8, 211 K's, 3.19 ERA, 1.14 WHIP.

Brian Wilson RP If he is past his injury issues of last year he will be knocking on the door of the top 5 closers in this year's draft. I never pay for saves but if you do, go after Wilson he is a K machine and should get plenty of chances out in the Bay. 

• MY PROJECTIONS: 42 Saves, 2.77 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 79 K.

Pablo Sandoval 3B If weight isn't an issue for this Venezuelan slugger you are looking at a top 5 NL third baseman. Keep an eye on him in spring training. If I can get him for a reasonable value in my drafts I'm going to go for it.

• MY PROJECTIONS: BA-.304 HR-25 RBI-83 Runs-60 SB-3

Buster Posey C/1B Coming off a nasty leg injury from last year, Posey has been recently told to stop blocking the plate and rely more on the swipe tag. We'll see how that goes. If he is healthy and out there he is a top 6 catcher and a for sure candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.

• MY PROJECTIONS: BA- .292 HR-17 RBI-87 Runs-60 SB-5

Melky Cabrera OF After a career year in Kansas City, Melky was dealt to another spacious ball park. He should continue to hit for a high average with double digit power and speed. I like him later on in my drafts but he is a solid pick past the 15th round.

• MY PROJECTIONS: BA-.290 HR-15 RBI-76 Runs-82 SB-14

Other Notable Players Angel Pagan  One of the sneakiest base stealers in this years draft's. Pagan will be a late round pick and if he is slotted high in the Giants order he could crack 80 runs scored.  Brandon Belt 1B/OF A top end prospect, Belt needs to put it together this year for his keeper owners to finally put their full faith in him. Belt has all the potential in the world and he is a solid #5 or #6 hitter in that lineup. Don't expect anything over .250 this year but 20 HR's is possible. Minor League Prospects Gary Brown and Francisco Peguero are the two top prospects in the Giants farm system. If Belt can fill the first base role full time and Posey feels comfortable staying behind the plate then these two could be up as soon as this year playing along side Melky Cabrera in the spacious AT&T park. The Recap  Led by one of the best pitching staffs in the majors, the Giants will look to contend for the NL West crown. If the offense can come through and their best hitters can stay healthy there is no reason to believe the Giants can't make it back to post season glory in 2012.
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Alex Wiesner