Too early to say if Giants will contend...

Under a picture of the new/old Three Amigos (Molina, Roberts, Aurelia), the San Francisco Chronicle reports that GM Brian Sabean isn't willing at the moment to pronounce the Giants a contender in the West (December 15th, "Magowan admits questions remain"). Big of him, but out of character, as smarmy confidence has always been his trademark.

As Magowan admits and common sense dictates, the Giants have holes, beyond those in Sabean's head.

Pitching

Will Sabean really make a play for and sign Barry Zito, the A's excellent lefty workhorse and fashion plate? Don't bet on it, for at least three reasons:

First, Zito wants to win, and the Giants won't.

Second, Zito wants celebrity, and San Francisco is a backwater, pretty park and all.

Third, Zito and Boras are smart and know what a top-line pitcher is worth this year.

Instead, to fill the major hole in the projected rotation (for talent, experience, proven ability) they'll go for Jeff Suppan, formerly of the Cards, and this won't be nearly enough to give the bullpen any rest.

Morris is Suppan already, Matt Cain may well have a second-year slump, and Jonathan Sanchez is unproven. In fact, Noah Lowry is likely to star in 2007, which is one more reason smarties Zito and Boras won't ever come to SF. Who needs any competion for "favorite lefty."

Speaking of the bullpen, are we excited about a rested Armando Benitez? What about the re-signing of Tyler Walker? Steve Kline may be the best reliever available come April, but hey, he's a lefty too.

Hitting

What's the lineup? Roberts, Vizquel, Durham, Bonds, and five other guys.

Roberts? Will he hit better than .260? OK, say he gets on and Vizquel helps to get him to second (e.g., a bunt not beaten out).

Which Durham will show up, or will he be injured anyway. OK, say a fly ball gets Roberts to third with two out.

Does Bonds play today? Say he walks--good for him good for them. Now what?

Well, my guess is the Giants overpay for Ryan Klesko and send him up at this point to make the third out. Sadly, he'll do his job like the pro he is.