EDITOR'S NOTE: Giants baseball officially begins Friday with Opening Day in Arizona. Giants Insider Andrew Baggarly has been covering the team all spring. As part of his season preview package, check out his snapshot profile of each of the 25 active players on the Giants' roster.
Starting Pitchers
TIM LINCECUMStrikeouts were down and walks were up last season; now hes pitching to contact and scrapping his slider.
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MADISON BUMGARNEREnded up with 13-13 record after 0-6 start; determined to get out of the gate faster this time.
MATT CAINEarned his 112.5 million extension through consistency. Hes one of four pitchers with at least 20 quality starts in each of last four seasons.
RYAN VOGELSONGLast years rotation ERA leader will begin on the DL, but stuff appears to be there and strained back has improved.
BARRY ZITOThere are 46 million reasons hes still around, and they all have George Washingtons face on them.
San Francisco Giants
SEASON PREVIEW: Giants aim to reclaim division
Relief Pitchers
BRIAN WILSONThrowing 95 mph in the spring, but his strained elbow will be watched carefully all season.
SANTIAGO CASILLAWicked stuff, hard fastball and bat-splintering curve make him an asset in late innings. He gets a little squirrelly in the ninth, though.
JEREMY AFFELDTHe has a scud curveball, keeps the ball in the park and is effective against right-handers, too.
JAVIER LOPEZGiants spent big bucks so this sidewinder could neutralize lefties for two more seasons.
SERGIO ROMOWildly effective strike thrower as long as his elbow isnt barking. Thats when his famously Frisbee-esque slider tends to flatten out.
GUILLERMO MOTAHe has a rubber arm and knows how to use itespecially on the days that Zito pitches.
CLAY HENSLEYA favorite of Bruce Bochy, he has the ability to work multiple innings and take the ball whenever needed.
DAN OTEROGraduated from Duke University in three years. This 27-year-old rookie has smarts on the mound, too.
Position Players
BUSTER POSEYLooked great at the plate and behind it this spring. Catchers mask? Check. Chest protector? Check. Shinguards? Check. Halo? Check.
HECTOR SANCHEZHes a switch hitter with power from both sides, so hell be handy to have on the bench and will boost lineup on days Posey plays first base.
BRANDON BELTA patient and dangerous hitter, hes not a finished product. But Bruce Bochy must give him the chance to make adjustments against big league pitching.
RYAN THERIOTNo longer a defensive dynamo, but he knows how to work a tough at-bat late in games.
BRANDON CRAWFORDThe Giants first homegrown opening-day shortstop since Royce Clayton in 1996 (non-Bocock category).
PABLO SANDOVALHe was seventh in NL MVP balloting in 2009. With corrected vision in left eye and a full season, he might finish higher this year.
EMMANUEL BURRISSHasnt hit nearly enough to warrant being an everyday player; most likely to contribute in super-utility role.
AUBREY HUFFItll be a water buffalo, not a giraffe, in left field. He wont hang onto everyday playing time if he hits .240 again, though.
MELKY CABRERABalanced switch-hitter might not achieve 200 hits again, but hell be motivated entering his walk year.
ANGEL PAGANSlow starter lived up to his reputation with a brutal spring. Like Cabrera, hes motivated as he gets set for free agency.
NATE SCHIERHOLTZLost the right field job with an uninspiring spring. Must reestablish himself.
BRETT PILLGreat happy to be here attitude and a powerful right-handed swing make him a good fit on this club.
GREGOR BLANCONon-roster invitee was the surprise of the spring. Hes an on-base wizard who could be the everyday leadoff hitter before long.