While it may have been a long 2008 season, it had many upsides.  Brian Wilson established himself as a legitimate closer in this league, Lincecum has every team in the league talking, and the Giants finally have some young talent to boast about.

Next years starting outfield has only one guarantee so far and that is Aaron Rowand.  He making to much money to be traded (not to mention his value is down after a bad year) and the organization loves his on-field leadership and club house presence.  So Rowand will start in center and hopefully have a better year offensively.

Left field will most likely be occupied by Fred Lewis assuming his off-season foot surgery is successful.  If he recovers in time for for the beginning of the 2009 season he could be the brightest spot of the lineup.  Lewis hit .282 in a year where he dealt with foot trouble Homering 9 times, tripling 11, doubling 25, and finished second only to Randy Winn in BB’s.  His 40 RBI’s were a small total for a man with so many extra base hits but he hit lead off most the year and the giants eighth place hitters (Bocock and Visquel) were dreadful leaving little for the Fred to drive in. 

Before his injury Lewis started hitting in the three hole, a spot Giants hitting coach (Carney Lansford) thinks Lewis will one day make his spot in the Giants order.  He swiped 20 bags this year and that kind of speed is something the Giants want to have on base in front of slow moving Bengie Molina. 

So next is right field, and while Randy Winn turned in another outstanding year  (.300 avg, 25 SB, 10 HR, 38 2B, and 59 BB) he may be the odd man out this off season.  The Giants will try to move Winn via a trade this off season, which sound crazy being that he has been the best offensive player two years running for the Giants.  However, the outfield in Fresno can no longer hold Nate Schierholtz, and John Bowker and Eugenio Velez are ready to play in the majors also.

Schierholtz has been the pride of the Fresno Grizzlies for the past few years and made the most of his September call up by hitting .320 with ten extra base hits in 75 at bats.  He is out of options and will make the opening day roster, whether it is as the third or fourth outfielder will be determined later. 

Velez is another young player the Giants love, but he probably won’t be taking a starting outfield job soon, however, he is refining his skills at second and his stroke should give Kevin Frandsen some competition in spring.

While the Giants may not have the whole 2009 picture figured out yet, the outfield is ready to go.  The question is, will it be with or without Randy Winn.