Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds have put together what they hope to be a competitive package in the City by the Bay.  Here is the annual preview...

 

Catcher - While not impressive offensively, Yadier Molina will bring his gold-glove calibre defense to the Sea Lions line-up.  He will be backed up Brandon Inge (who will also catch in most of Tim Wakefield's starts).  While the offense will be average - the Sea Lions hope the running game will be ground to a halt for the opposition.

 

1st Base - In a big trade with Philadelphia, San Francisco traded Gerald Laird, Nick Swisher, and the rights to draft Steven Strassburg (who WOULD have been San Francisco's #1 pick) for Adrian Gonzalez.  Gonzalez brings a solid left-handed bat and a great defensive work ethic to the squad.  Marcus Thames will hit against certain left-handers and bring his power bat to the line-up.

 

2nd Base - Young second baseman Dustin Pedroia hopes to bring a solid defense and a good batting average to the Sea Lion middle infield.  Management is expecting huge things out of Dusin and hoping he delivers.

 

Shortstop - Derek Jeter, the original Sea Lion and first choice of the team in the initial draft (5th overall).  The Sea Lion captain may be getting older - but still plays very solid defense and is still a .300 hitter.  His leadership will be very important in the Sea Lion infield this year.

 

3rd Base - The one weak spot offensively for the Sea Lions.  Defensive specialists Jack Hannahan and Brandon Inge will man Third Base.  While they can't hit - they can definitely field.  The two will plattoon, and will hopefully at least be able to hit above the Mendoza Line for the Sea Lions.

 

Left Field - Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun will be handling most of the left field chores, with Willie Harris filling in against certain right-handers and in late inning defensive situations.  Ryan Braun is the biggest power bat in the Sea Lion line-up, and should build on his last season and hit over 30 home runs.

 

Center Field - A plattoon of Matt Kemp and Curtis Granderson.  Matt Kemp was the center of swirling Sea Lion trade rumours last year, but according to management - a deal couldn't be made...another team offered Adrian Beltre for Matt Kemp, a Sea Lion draft pick AND Willie Harris - and the Sea Lions, who would have taken Beltre straight up for Kemp at the time - decided that the offer was not fair and decided to keep Kemp.  So, Matt Kemp will work with Curtis Granderson and form the CF plattoon for San Francisco.

 

Right Field - The Sea Lions picked up switch-hitting Randy Winn to man right field this year.  While not a big power bat, Randy has speed and plays solid defense for the Sea Lions this year.

 

Designated Hitter - Jim Thome will man the DH slot.  He draws walks, hits for power, and should contribute to the offense in the 7 hole.

 

 

Pitching Staff

 

Rich Harden - After a few years of injuries, Rich Harden is hoping to be the staff ace.  If he is healthy this year, he should be great - if not - then the Sea Lions may have a long season.

 

Justin Verlander - Justin had a solid year last year for San Francisco, and they are hoping that he will repeat his success of last year.

 

Mike Mussina - Mike was picked up from Chicago to be the #3 starter in the Sea Lions pitching staff.  His veteran leadership will be valuable in the upcoming season.

 

Jered Weaver - Another young pitcher who is gradually coming into his own.  He is projected as the Sea Lion #4 starter for the season - but could be a #3 on many other teams.

 

Tim Wakefield - The ageless knuckleballer is still giving it and should get 30 starts for San Francisco this year.  He keeps going and going like the Energizer Bunny.

 

Chien Mien Wang - Chien Mien had a great season last year, and will be competing for a starting slot in the rotation, we'll see how he does.

 

Bullpen...

 

Bobby Jenks mans the closer role, and should have help from Brian Tallet, and recent draftees Edwar Ramirez, Joe Nelson, and a horde of others.  Valued prospect David Price may be brought up during the year depending on his development.

 

 

San Francisco is hoping that this year brings more play-off success after losing in their first round of play the last three years.  We'll see if that happens with this squad.