I think their offense is just as good as it was last year, I mean Uribe might club 20 homers but in my opinion he is still a sucky hitter. I think Tejada is an improvement on him to be honest, because Tejada gets on base more and makes more contact, even though he is a washed up former juicer. And they lost Renteria... meh good riddance.
Belt should be good. The big question mark is Panda. A stat they put up last night said he swung at 55% of pitches last year. That is a number that would make Billy Bean's head explode with rage and fury. And he is hitting eighth. Why? Why put the guy who swings at the most junk in baseball (literally!) in a position where he will see nothing but junk??? Seems like a recipe for disaster. Bat him 7th or something at least, jesus. Perhaps it is a message that he needs to get his act together and stop being a fat ass K machine.
Giants offense will only be alright if Panda gets his act together, Tejada does not stink up the joint, and Belt can manage a .270 15 HR 60 RBI season, which I think is possible. He hit quite a few dingers in the minors last year, he has got it in him. Burrel I am expecting to tire out at the end of the season. My main concern, actually, is their outfield defensively. They are all old and slow except for Torres. You do not want old and slow guys patrolling the huge expanse of AT&T park.
I think the most underrated guy on that team is Freddy Sanchez*. That guy is a great contact hitter and people underestimate him. Watch him hit, he always gets wood on the ball. I am telling anyone that will listen that he is money.
*former Red Sox prospect traded away in 2003 for Jeff Suppan and Scott friggin Sauerbeck. WTF??
giants are going to have trouble scoring runs this year.
Roy Halladay is going to throw a no-hitter for the Phil's opener.
