The Giants are looking to reach the postseason for the first time since 2003 after winning 88 games last year, but they'll need a massive improvement from their offense and just as much consistency from their pitching. The lineup is full of 30-somethings without much speed, so the hitters need to manufacture a lot more runs than they did in 2009.

ARRIVALS: INF/OF Mark DeRosa (free agent from Cardinals), 1B Aubrey Huff (free agent from Tigers), LHP Horacio Ramirez (minor league free agent from Royals), RHP Guillermo Mota (minor league free agent from Dodgers), RHP Todd Wellemeyer (minor league free agent from Cardinals).

DEPARTURES: RHP Brad Penny (free agent, signed with Cardinals), RHP Justin Miller (free agent, signed minor league deal with Dodgers), RHP Bobby Howry (free agent, signed with Diamondbacks), LHP Randy Johnson (retired), RHP Merkin Valdez (traded to Blue Jays), OF Randy Winn (free agent, signed with Yankees), 1B Ryan Garko (non-tendered, signed with Mariners), INF Rich Aurilia (free agent, unsigned), LHP Noah Lowry (free agent, unsigned).

SPRING FOCUS: Most every job is filled, though LHP Madison Bumgarner and OF Nate Schierholtz have to prove they're worthy as the fifth starter and right fielder, respectively. The Giants will learn about newcomers Huff and DeRosa, the fourth and fifth hitters, and whether Pablo Sandoval can maintain a playable weight and enjoy another banner year.

PROJECTED ROTATION:

1. RHP Tim Lincecum

2. LHP Barry Zito

3. RHP Matt Cain

4. LHP Jonathan Sanchez

5. LHP Madison Bumgarner

Without LHP Randy Johnson and RHP Brad Penny, Bumgarner will be given a chance to win a job after posting a 1.80 ERA in four games (one start) last year. Lincecum and Cain were All-Stars, but Zito and Sanchez were sub-.500 for a third straight year, though Zito (three years down in his seven-year, $126 million pact) pitched better than he did the previous two years.

PROJECTED BULLPEN:

RHP Brian Wilson (closer)

RHP Sergio Romo

LHP Jeremy Affeldt

RHP Brandon Medders

RHP Todd Wellemeyer

LHP Dan Runzler

RHP Waldis Joaquin

Wilson saved 38 games in 45 tries and posted a 2.74 ERA, a big improvement over 2008's 4.62. Affeldt was solid in his first year as a Giant (1.73 ERA), and he will be complemented by Romo, who's healthy after missing much of last season with an elbow injury. Wellemeyer, a swingman, is targeted for long relief. Minor-leaguers Runzler and Joaquin are knocking on the door.

PROJECTED LINEUP:

1. CF Aaron Rowand

2. 2B Juan Uribe

3. 3B Pablo Sandoval

4. 1B Aubrey Huff

5. LF Mark DeRosa

6. C Bengie Molina

7. RF Nate Schierholtz

8. SS Edgar Renteria

Rowand is the leadoff man because (a) that's where he hit best last year and (b) the Giants have no other options. Uribe replaces Freddy Sanchez until Sanchez returns from left shoulder surgery. Huff and DeRosa were added to protect Sandoval, and Molina should be more comfortable sixth instead of fourth, where he was forced to hit last season. Schierholtz has the edge in right over John Bowker, who's viewed as more of a left fielder and first baseman.

PROJECTED RESERVES:

C Eli Whiteside or C Buster Posey

1B Travis Ishikawa

INF Emmanuel Burriss or INF Kevin Frandsen

OF Andres Torres

2B/OF Eugenio Velez or OF Fred Lewis or 1B/OF John Bowker

Uribe would become a super utility guy once Sanchez returns to the lineup. Until then, Burriss and Frandsen will compete for a backup role. Velez's value is coming off the bench to hit or run, though he has had hot streaks when inserted into the lineup. Torres might be the best defender among the outfielders. Ishikawa will be limited with Huff aboard, though Ishikawa is the superior defender. Lewis and Bowker will be in an open competition for the last reserve slot.

TOP ROOKIES: LHP Madison Bumgarner and C Buster Posey, two of the game's elite prospects, could be headed in different directions. Bumgarner is the likely No. 5 starter, and Posey could be sent back to Class AAA Fresno for more seasoning now that C Bengie Molina was re-signed. On the other hand, Posey's bat is good enough that manager Bruce Bochy plans to have him take grounders at first base in spring training, meaning he could make the roster not just as a backup catcher.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--2B Freddy Sanchez (arthroscopic left knee surgery in September 2009, left shoulder surgery in December 2009) figures to miss the first two weeks of the season, at least.

--LF Mark DeRosa (left wrist surgery in October 2009) made his Cactus League debut March 9.

--1B Travis Ishikawa (torn ligaments in left big toe) is questionable for opening day.

--INF Emmanuel Burriss (broken left big toe) was hurt March 3. He was placed in a walking boot and will be out until early April.

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