2001 Record: 90-72, 2nd in NL West 2001 Results | 2002 Schedule | 2002 Roster | 2001 Statistics: Batting | Pitching Offense (NL rank) Defense (NL rank) 799 runs (5th) Home: 352 runs (11th) Road: 447 (2nd) 748 runs allowed (9th) Home: 3.79 ERA (7th) Road: 4.60 ERA (10th) 2001 Stats Leaders   Average: Barry Bonds, .328 Runs: Bonds, 129 On-base pct: Bonds, .515 Stolen bases: Bonds, 13 Wins: Russ Ortiz, 17 Saves: Robb Nen, 45 Home runs: Bonds, 73 RBI: Bonds, 137 Slugging pct.: Bonds, .863 OPS: Bonds, 1.378 ERA: Ortiz, 3.29 Strikeouts: Ortiz, 169

ESPN's Take Q: Assuming Barry Bonds can't have another extraordinarily monster year, what can the Giants hope for to make the playoffs? I like the Giants' chances. J.T. Snow had never been on the disabled list in his life, but last year he went on three times. Snow's improved health will be a huge key. The Giants improved themselves significantly in the offseason. Reggie Sanders gives them a legitimate bat in right field and David Bell will be an upgrade at third. Jeff Kent, Jason Schmidt and Robb Nen have some minor injuries, but they should be able to get those guys healthy sooner than later. I think Bonds' season last year was the greatest offensive year ever -- but it proved once again that one guy can't carry a team to a title. Bonds will need a lot more help from the likes of Kent, Bell and Snow. Perhaps the most important player for the Giants this year is Livan Hernandez; he must have a better year. -- Dave Campbell  Jayson Stark's Crystal Ball Jeff Kent hits game-winning homer June 16 vs. Oakland, on Motorcycle Night at Pac Bell. Everyone seems to think Rich Aurilia is going to take a big step back, but look closer. You could bat in front of Barry Bonds and thrive. Aurilia should see a drop in home runs, but with Bonds behind him the average and runs might be legit. Which Russ Ortiz will we get this season? If it's last year's version, then get him now. After years of crippling ratios and massive amounts of walks, Ortiz broke out with spiffy numbers and won 17 games. He can do that again. -- Eric Karabell Batting order Tsuyoshi Shinjo, CF Rich Aurilia, SS Barry Bonds, LF Jeff Kent, 2B Reggie Sanders, RF J.T. Snow, 1B David Bell, 3B Benito Santiago, C Bench Marvin Benard, Ramon Martinez, Edwards Guzman, Pedro Feliz, Shawon Dunston Rotation Russ Ortiz, Jason Schmidt, Livan Hernandez, Kirk Rueter, Ryan Jensen / Kurt Ainsworth Bullpen Robb Nen, Felix Rodriguez, Aaron Fultz, Jason Christiansen, Jay Witasik, Tim Worrell Jerome Williams, RHP Potential No. 1 starter who throws in the mid-90s with great command. Figures to be ready for the majors by 2003.

Catcher: Benito Santiago Santiago enters his 16th full season in the majors and at the age of 37 does he have anything left? Well, his batting average went down significantly in the second half last year (.287 in first half, .237 in second half). If he's given enough rest during the season, could still be somewhat productive. Still considered an excellent defensive catcher. NL Position Ranking: 15th First Base: J.T. Snow Snow is coming off a bad season in 2001 after having spent a lot of time on the disabled list. Is expected to be used only against right-handed pitching. Against lefties, Jeff Kent is expected to move to first base with Ramon Martinez taking over second base. Remains a topnotch defensive first baseman. NL Position Ranking: 12th Second Base: Jeff Kent May not begin the season on time after breaking his left wrist. Once he's in the lineup, will need to improve offensively after hitting just 22 home runs in 2001. At his age (34) and depending on the injuy, can't be expected to repeat his career-year MVP numbers of 2000 (.334, 33 home runs). NL Position Ranking: 2nd Third Base: David Bell Acquired in the offseason from the Mariners to take over the third-base job from the disappointing Pedro Feliz. After a promising first half with the M's last year (.261-9-44), dropped off in second half (.257-6-20). Had a strong defensive year and can also play second if needed. NL Position Ranking: 10th Shortstop: Rich Aurilia Hitting in front of Barry Bonds, had a career year (.324-37-97, as well as an NL-leading 206 hits). Figures to have somewhat of a letdown, but has established himself as the best shortstop in the NL. Not a Gold Glover, but underrated defensively. NL Position Ranking: 1st Left Field: Barry Bonds Won his fourth MVP Award after having an amazing season -- all-time single-season records of 73 homers, 177 walks and .863 slugging percentage. Stands 188 home runs shy of Hank Aaron's record (755). It's not unrealistic to think he has a shot to break the mark even if his numbers fall off this season. NL Position Ranking: 1st Center Field: Tsuyoshi Shinjo Acquired from the Mets in the offseason and will take over the everyday job in center field as well as the leadoff spot. One thing to remember is that Shinjo walked only 25 times in 400 at-bats last season (.320 OBP), unacceptable if he puts up the same numbers out of the leadoff spot in '02. On defense, a big upgrade over Marvin Benard. NL Position Ranking: 13th Right Field: Reggie Sanders Coming off a big season a year ago (.263-33-90). Could stand to have even more RBI opportunities this season with Aurilia, Bonds and Kent hitting in front of him. As always with Sanders, however: will he stay off the DL? NL Position Ranking: 12th No. 1 Starter: Russ Ortiz Led the Giants with 17 wins and a 3.29 ERA in '01. A workhorse as well as he's averaged just over 207 innings pitched over the last three years. Loved pitching at Pac Bell: 8-3, 2.49 at home. NL Ranking among starters: 10th No. 2 Starter: Jason Schmidt Won't begin the year on time as he's suffering from a groin injury. Giants will need him to heal up soon as he is a major cog in the starting rotation. Parlayed strong second half (8-3, 3.06) into questionable megamillion deal (four years, 31 megamillions). NL Ranking among starters: 21st No. 3 Starter: Livan Hernandez Pitched major innings for the fourth consecutive year (226.2), but had an extremely high ERA (5.24). The Giants can only hope this isn't the year when he finally breaks down physically. Has been battered this spring with nearly two hits per inning. NL Ranking among starters: 35th No. 4 Starter: Kirk Rueter Never flashy, but always consistent. Has had double-figure win totals in each of last five seasons (14 in 2001). NL Ranking among starters: 45th Bullpen: Felix Rodriguez, Aaron Fultz, Jason Christiansen, Jay Witasik, Tim Worrell Rodriguez is arguably the game's best set-up man. Had a career-best 1.68 ERA in '01 and was again devastating against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .150 batting average against. Christiansen is the primary left-handed set-up man and is coming off a solid season in '01 (3.22 ERA). NL Position Ranking: 4th Closer: Robb Nen His 45 saves in '01 led the NL and were also a career high. As consistent as any closer in baseball as he's recorded 35 or more saves in each of the last six years. NL Position Ranking: 1st

Overall Power Index Rankings (NL rank):
Position: 8.25 (8th) | Pitching: 5.50 (4th)

-- Matt Szefc