Which NL teams are the Chicago Cubs biggest threats?
By Paul Steeno
San Francisco Giants
Projected Lineup (courtesy of Rotochamp.com):
Denard Span OF
Joe Panik 2B
Buster Posey C
Brandon Belt 1B
Hunter Pence OF
Brandon Crawford SS
Matthew Duffy 3B
Gregor Blanco OF
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Starting Rotation:
Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Jake Peavy and Chris Heston.
Rundown
First off, it is an even year and the Giants have made a habit of winning World Series in these years. Second, the Giants, who missed the playoffs last season, improved the roster from a season ago.
The biggest weakness for the Giants last season was starting pitching; they finished 11th in the MLB during the regular season although the five teams that made the playoffs in the NL last season were all in the top five in this category.
The Giants were busy shoppers this offseason, bagging starting pitchers Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. Cueto and Samardzija join perennial star Madison Bumgarner atop a very formidable Giants starting rotation.
All four of the Giants projected starting infielders are under 30 years old and there is talent in the group.
"“First baseman Brandon Belt, third baseman Matt Duffy and shortstop Brandon Crawford were among the finalists for the Gold Glove at their positions last year, with Crawford earning the award over incumbent Andrelton Simmons. All-Star second baseman Joe Panik, who ranked among the leaders in defensive metrics, probably would have completed the quartet of finalists had he not been limited to 100 games because of a back injury. That infield is not only a major strength but a source of savings for the Giants. Even with Crawford’s six-year, $75 million extension kicking in, the foursome’s combined salary in the upcoming season adds up to a little under $13.5 million, or about two-thirds of what Cueto is making in 2016, including his $5 million signing bonus.” —-content created by Yahoo! Sports writer Jorge L. Ortiz"
The Giants expect big things from second-year player Matt Duffy who finished second to Kris Bryant in Rookie of the Year voting last season after slashing .295/.334/.428.
Three-time All-Star Hunter Pence returns for a fifth season with the San Francisco Giants. New addition Denard Span adds elite on-base skills to the top of the order although injuries have been an issue for him throughout his career. Catcher Buster Posey is one of the best catchers in the league and will provide a steady presence in the middle of the order and behind the plate.
The Giants addressed their biggest issue this offseason: starting pitching. Their roster has few holes; if their infield quartet lives up to the lofty expectations and Cueto and Samardzija can get back on track in the Bay Area this team will be as dangerous as anybody next season.
Next: How bout those Mets?