If healthy, Giants appear set for spring

February 16th, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants aren't wondering who will be their front-line performers. The issue is how often they'll be available.
San Francisco's anticipated Opening Day contingent is expected to resemble 2015's season-ending squad. Two or three bench or bullpen roles should be available, but otherwise, manager Bruce Bochy already might be able to name the team that will begin the regular season April 4 at Milwaukee.
Spring Training:Schedule | Tickets | Information
A relatively large number of Giants spent parts of 2015 on the disabled list. For this group, regaining and retaining health presents a challenge. The Giants won the World Series in 2010, 2012 and 2014 by using their entire roster. To maintain their pattern of winning it all in even-numbered years, they'll need a fit crew just to stay afloat in what should be a competitive National League West.
As Giants pitchers and catchers prepare to report to camp in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Wednesday, MLB.com continues its breakdown of the club and Spring Training-related issues with a look at the projected starting lineup, bullpen and starting rotation.
Comeback candidates | Newcomers | Prospects to watch | Position battles
2015 record
84-78, second in the NL West
Projected batting order

  1. CF Denard Span:
    .301 BA, .365 OBP, .431 SLG, 5 HR, 22 RBI in 2015
  2. 2B Joe Panik:
    .312 BA, .378 OBP, .455 SLG, 8 HR, 37 RBI in 2015
  3. C Buster Posey:
    .318 BA, .379 OBP, .470 SLG, 19 HR, 95 RBI in 2015
  4. RF Hunter Pence:
    .275 BA, .327 OBP, .478 SLG, 9 HR, 40 RBI in 2015
  5. 3B Matt Duffy:
    .295 BA, .334 OBP, .428 SLG, 12 HR, 77 RBI in 2015
  6. SS Brandon Crawford:
    .256 BA, .321 OBP, .462 SLG, 21 HR, 84 RBI in 2015
  7. 1B Brandon Belt:
    .280 BA, .356 OBP, .478 SLG, 18 HR, 68 RBI in 2015
  8. LF Angel Pagan:
    .262 BA, .303 OBP, .332 SLG, 3 HR, 37 RBI in 2015

Projected rotation

  1. Madison Bumgarner, 18-9, 2.93 ERA in 2015
  2. Johnny Cueto, 11-13, 3.44 ERA in 2015
  3. Jeff Samardzija, 11-13, 4.96 ERA in 2015
  4. Jake Peavy, 8-6, 3.58 ERA in 2015
  5. Matt Cain, 2-4, 5.79 ERA in 2015
    Projected bullpen
    Closer: Santiago Casilla, 38/44 saves, 2.79 ERA in 2015
    RH setup man: Sergio Romo, 2.98 ERA in 2015
    LH setup man: Josh Osich, 2.20 ERA in 2015
    Pitchers and catchers report
    Wednesday
    Position players report
    Feb. 22
    Cactus League opener against Los Angeles Angels, Scottsdale, Ariz.
    March 2, 12:05 p.m. PT
    Regular-season opener at Milwaukee
    April 4, 11:10 a.m. PT
    Home opener against Los Angeles Dodgers
    April 7, 1:35 p.m. PT