Given the interest the Giants expressed in trading for Jose Cruz, Jr. when he was with Toronto, we thought he might head to San Francisco once the Blue Jays non-tendered him. However, the two sides really didn't show much interest in each other over the past month. San Francisco appeared prepared to use Ray Durham in centerfield, and Cruz looked likely to settle on the East Coast. Then yesterday, the Giants announced that they've signed Cruz to a one-year, $2.8M contract, which includes a $300,000 buyout on a $4M option for 2004.

I think this is an excellent decision on the part of San Francisco and really adds a much-needed piece to their bid to return to the World Series for a win in 2003. I'm a bit surprised at the size of the contract, considering he was rumored to have received much lower offers from other clubs. However, it does represent a pay cut of over $1M for Cruz. The 28-year-old will need to rebound considerably in order to entice the Giants into picking up the option, but given his upside I think San Francisco was wise to provide for that possibility.

Cruz's walk rate hasn't returned to the outstanding level he reached in 1999, however it did rebound a bit after dropping for two by over .10 in two seasons, and he also slightly increased his contact rate. Additionally, he displayed more power potential, and though he didn't steal frequently, likely due to problems with his left ankle and hamstring, his success rate remain high while he was running the bases.

My major concern for the Giants in 2003 is that they seem to have a number of fairly fragile players and could easily be beset by severe health problems. Cruz doesn't help with that problem, as he too has a history of injury troubles. However, the move away from the turf in Toronto should keep him healthier.

Two weeks ago, the Giants signed the arbitration-eligible Damian Moss to a one-year, $1.55M contract. Moss' control tends to improve in his second season at a level, so we should see a natural improvement in that area as he adjusts to the league. Russ Ortiz suffered from control problems, and the additional payroll flexibility gained by that trade has more than compensated for any skill gap.

San Francisco has added some depth to the organization through minor league deals, including C-R Alberto Castillo, 1B-R Andres Galarraga, OF-R Ruben Rivera, 1B-R Joe Vitiello, RHP Mike Johnson, LHP Kevin Pickford, and RHP Brian Powell.

Yorvit Torreabla has the back-up job behind Benito Santiago, but Alberto Castillo provides the Giants with depth at AAA in case of injury. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old's walk rate has taken a dive the last two seasons, zapping much of his already limited offense.

Galarraga's skills have remained fairly constant over the past few years, though the 41-year-old has lost some of his power with age. He should compete for a bench job in Spring Training, and I'd be surprised if he didn't break camp on the Giants' roster. If he makes the team, I'll be interested to see how often San Francisco chooses to add more offense to the lineup and benches J.T. Snow.

Ruben Rivera will compete for a bench job. The 29-year-old has displayed fairly solid skills and has moderate speed and power upside. However, I'm a bit surprised that the Giants we're willing to sign someone with Rivera's history, given the temptations poised by Barry Bonds' paraphernalia are even greater than those found in the Yankee clubhouse and San Francisco already has a problem with disappearing lineup cards.

Unfortunately, I don't see an opening for Vitiello now that Galaragga has signed. The 32-year-old hit .329 with a .390 OBP and .520 SLG on 142 H, 34 2B, and 16 HR with a 39:58 BB:K and 1/1 SB% in 431 AB at AAA Ottawa in the International League last season, demonstrating that he still has major league skills. Nevertheless, his lack of position flexibility likely means he'll have to find a team with a first base opening in order to break back into the majors.

Johnson hasn't displayed horrible skills as a AAAA starter, but he'd have a much easier job holding onto a roster spot, if he'd move to relief. The Giants will have to go through a sizeable list of pitchers before they reach Johnson on the spot starting scrolls, but he could contribute as bullpen filler if he makes a strong showing at AAA.

Kevin Pickford really didn't display the skills necessary to merit a job in the major league pen last season. However, as the 27-year-old's spent time on the team recently, he'll likely receive consideration if they need to add a lefty to the pen.

Detroit drafted Brian Powell out of the University of Georgia with their second round pick in the 1995 draft. He continues to have control difficulties as a starter in the majors, despite solid skills at AAA. The Giants don't have sufficient need for starting pitching to give him an extended trial in the rotation to see if he can work out his problems, but he could be useful to them in a relief role.