Freak show
Tim Lincecum endured the worst season of his career last year, posting an NL-worst 5.18 ERA. However, he shined out of the bullpen in the postseason with a 2.55 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17²/³ innings. All eyes will be on his right arm this spring as he enters a contract season.
Closing the door
For the first time in several years, the Giants enter the season without Brian Wilson as their closer. While the “Fear the Beard” inspiration is still looking for work, the Giants have moved on. Sergio Romo will be asked to make the bulk of the saves, though others will step in at times. Romo was dynamic in the postseason, but whether he can do the job for an entire season remains to be seen.
Batter up
Youngsters Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford showed the ability to be elite defenders at the big-league level last season, but neither was able to become a consistent threat at the plate. If either one, or both, can take the next step offensively, it would give the Giants’ lineup a tremendous boost. Spring will be key for the infielders to show growth.
Giants' spring training schedule
February
23 vs. Angels (ss) 12:05 p.m.
24 at Cubs 12:05 p.m.
25 vs. White Sox 12:05 p.m.
26 at Dodgers 12:05 p.m.
27 at Angels 12:05 p.m.
28 vs. Mariners 12:05 p.m.
March
1 at A’s 12:05 p.m.
2 vs. Cubs 12:05 p.m.
2 at Royals 12:05 p.m.
3 vs. Diamondbacks 12:05 p.m.
4 at White Sox 12:05 p.m.
5 at Indians 12:05 p.m.
6 No game
7 at Indians 12:05 p.m.
8 vs. Dodgers (ss) 12:05 p.m.
9 vs. Royals 12:05 p.m.
10 at Brewers 1:05 p.m.
11 at Rangers 1:05 p.m.
12 vs. Padres 7:05 p.m.
13 at Reds 1:05 p.m.
14 vs. WBC 1:05 p.m.
15 vs. Rangers 1:05 p.m.
16 vs. Reds (ss) 1:05 p.m.
16 at Indians 1:05 p.m.
17 vs. Rockies 3:15 p.m.
18 No game
19 at Mariners 7:05 p.m.
20 vs. Brewers 1:05 p.m.
20 at Padres 1:05 p.m.
21 vs. Rockies 7:05 p.m.
22 at Rockies (ss) 1:10 p.m.
23 vs. A’s 1:05 p.m.
24 at Angels 1:05 p.m.
25 at Cubs 1:05 p.m.
26 vs. Padres 1:05 p.m.
27 at Diamondbacks 1:10 p.m.
28 vs. A’s* 7:15 p.m.
29 vs. A’s* 7:15 p.m.
30 at A’s** 1:05 p.m.
