An Open Letter To Bruce Bochy

Dear Boch --

Start John Bowker. NOW.

Rumor has it that uber-prospect Buster Posey will be starting the season off in the minor leagues. I do hope he'll be called up shortly.

Humbly, I offer you what the Giants depth chart should be on Opening Day, with comments:

Catcher:   Bengie Molina -- with Posey ready to spot-start and hopefully take over the job before the end of the year.

First Base: Aubrey Huff
Second Base: Mark DeRosa  Yes, we know Freddy Sanchez is a "gamer," but he's also hurt. DeRosa is a better option than Uribe, who can fill in all over the infield.
Shortstop: Edgar Renteria -- but have a short leash.
Third Base: Pablo Sandoval - seriously, this is the only no-brainer on this list.  Which is sad.
Left Field: John Bowker.  Leading the league in RBIs during spring isn't enough? He provides as much power as anyone else on the club and deserves the shot.
Center Field: Aaron Rowand
Right Field: Nate Schierholz

With apologies to Eugenio Velez, Fred Lewis, Andres Torres and Travis Ishikawa, they aren't worthy of unseating any of these guys, with the possible exception of Schierholz who plays better defense than any of them. When and if Sanchez comes off the DL, I think DeRosa should move to the outfield and replace Schierholz, or Bowker if he turns out to be a AAAA player. Torres has a chance to take over for Rowand, and Velez, Lewis and Ishi are all decent bench guys, along with Uribe.

This is NOT a great offensive ballclub, but in my humble opinion it gives the team the best chance to win this year, when coupled with the dominant pitching staff.

Get Timmy some runs!