San Jose Is Stacked

Last year I had the pleasure of taking in a game in San Jose, the home of the Giants' high A affiliate. It was great fun watching the Giants edge the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. However, the highest profile prospect in the game was catcher Jackson Williams (#16 in the organization according to Baseball America). It should be a different story this year, as nearly all of the team's top prospects are scheduled to at least start the season there. Headlining the list of players bound for San Jose are pitchers Madison Bumgarner (#1) and Tim Alderson (4). It's a bit of a surprise to see Alderson, who lead the California League in ERA last year, heading back, but the team has said it wanted to keep him out of the cold weather in Connecticut. He should be Double-A by summer.

San Jose could field an opening day lineup consisting of catcher Buster Posey (2), first baseman Angel Villalona (3), second baseman Nick Noonan (5), third baseman Conor Gillaspie (7), outfielders Roger Kieshnick (14) and Thomas Neal (21). This team could look a lot like the 2012 San Francisco Giants. If this team doesn't do well, we might be in some trouble.

Notes
- Tim Lincecum got a small raise, agreeing to a $650,000 contract for 2009. This is likely the last time he'll be in the six-figure range, as he's eligible for arbitration next season. There's also still the possibility of a long-term deal.
- In the second game of the exhibition season, the Dodgers pounded the Giants 16-7. Matt Cain allowed one hit, a home run by Russell Martin, in an inning and 2/3. Pat Misch, Jeremy Affeldt, and Sergio Romo were all roughed up in their first appearance. On offense, Aaron Rowand hit a home run, while Rich Aurilia and Juan Uribe had two hits apiece.
- The Giants remain on the outskirts with Manny Ramirez. Larry Baer has had talks with Scott Boras, but nothing substantial, and the team hasn't offered him a contract.