2004 Record: .562 (91-71)

Who's Out: LaTroy Hawkins (P), Edgardo Alfonzo (INF), Scott Eyre (P), J.T. Snow (1B), Brett Tomko (P)

Who's In: Steve Kline (P), Mark Sweeny (INF/OF), Matt Morris (P), Steve Finley (OF), Jose Vizcaino (1B)

Notes: Barry Bonds’ absence in 2005—due to his “knee injury”—caused a lot of problems for the Giants, but now that he is back to attack they will likely have even more obstacles to contend with. Regardless of how many times Bonds and his teammates claim that the constant booing and media pestering does not affect them, the scrutiny and controversy will eventually take its toll on the team. Commissioner Bud Selig recently announced that he is launching an investigation into the alleged steroid abuse by Bonds and others, the consequences of which are yet to be determined.

In more positive news, the Giants locked up their young pitching star, Noah Lowry, for the next four years. GM Brian Sabean has called Lowry "one of the most competitive young pitchers in baseball," and it is apparent that he is hoping to rely on Lowry as an integral part of the team. Lowry and newcomer Matt Morris join Jason Schmidt and Matthew Cain in the starting rotation, which seems to be one of the Giants’ stronger areas this year.

Next up: Arizona Diamondbacks

Labels: 2006 team profiles