Entering the final week of spring training, the Giants needed to decide which infielders would start and which relievers would make up the bullpen. 2B Ray Durham and INF Kevin Frandsen were wounded late in training camp, and relievers such as Merkin Valdez and Erick Threets were out of options and on the fence. The Giants aren't expected to contend in the tough NL West, and fans may demand the team starts using younger players such as INF Eugenio Velez and OF Fred Lewis.

ROTATION:

1. LHP Barry Zito

2. RHP Matt Cain

3. RHP Tim Lincecum

4. RHP Kevin Correia

5. LHP Jonathan Sanchez

LHP Noah Lowry (forearm surgery) is on the disabled list, so Sanchez joins the rotation and Correia is bumped from No. 5 to No. 4. The big three are Zito, Cain and Lincecum, who pitched well late in training camp. Zito has a new windup (no hands above the head anymore), and Lincecum has a new pitch (slider).

The rotation is the team's strength, and Cain and Lincecum are future co-aces, if they're not already that. Zito got the Opening Day nod based on his experience (and contract) rather than his numbers in 2007.

BULLPEN:

RHP Brian Wilson (closer)

RHP Brad Hennessey

RHP Tyler Walker

RHP Vinnie Chulk

LHP Steve Kline

LHP Jack Taschner

LHP Erick Threets or RHP Merkin Valdez

RHP Armando Benitez is gone, thankfully for Giants fans. The new closer is Wilson, even though Hennessey converted 14 saves in a row last year. In August, Wilson took over the job. The Giants prefer his stuff and makeup to Hennessey's as a closer.

The setup men are Walker and probably Taschner, who had a super spring. It's questionable whether the Giants will keep three lefties, and it's possible they could move Kline, who's guaranteed $1.75 million.

LINEUP:

1. CF Dave Roberts

2. 2B Ray Durham

3. RF Randy Winn

4. C Bengie Molina

5. CF Aaron Rowand

6. 3B Rich Aurilia

7. 1B Daniel Ortmeier

8. SS Brian Bocock

This could be totally different each day. Manager Bruce Bochy didn't know who'd play any of the infield positions with a week remaining in camp. Ortmeier converted from the outfield and struggled, and Durham and INF Kevin Frandsen were hurt.

Aurilia had a solid spring, but he's 36 and it's questionable whether he's an everyday player anymore. It's possible Roberts could be moved and replaced by Fred Lewis or Rajai Davis.

RESERVES:

INF Jose Castillo

INF Eugenio Velez

OF Rajai Davis

OF Fred Lewis

C Eliezer Alfonzo

Castillo was acquired a week before the season off waivers from the Marlins, and he's a wild card. He could play second, short or third. It's a quick bench with Velez, Davis and Lewis, and it's highly likely one or two could work themselves into the lineup shortly.

Alfonzo won the backup catcher's job over Guillermo Rodriguez, though neither shined in spring training.

ROOKIE WATCH: INFs Brian Bocock and Eugenio Velez shined in spring training, one (Bocock) for his defense and one (Velez) for his baserunning. The Giants were considering keeping both, though Bocock would play only until SS Omar Vizquel comes off the disabled list, perhaps in the season's second week. With so many old players still on the roster, Velez is a refreshing player and could work his way into the lineup, either at second or third.

MEDICAL WATCH:

OF Aaron Rowand (sore right shin) left the March 25 game and didn't play March 26. He is day-to-day.

RHP Vinnie Chulk (right shoulder tendinitis) is likely to open the season on the disabled list, general manager Brian Sabean said March 25.

2B Ray Durham (strained left hamstring, flu) was out March 20-25, but he returned to action March 26. He said he'll be fine for the season opener.

INF Kevin Frandsen (ruptured left Achilles tendon) suffered the injury March 24. He will undergo season-ending surgery.

LHP Noah Lowry (left arm surgery on March 7) is expected to be sidelined at least through late April.

C Bengie Molina (strained quadriceps) is playing again but is slower than normal on the bases.

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