SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS--James Floto

The D-backs, Rockies and Dodgers improved, so for the fourth year in a row, many are picking the Giants in the middle of the pack despite having the best record in baseball in 2000. So what if they had the numbers one and two men in the MVP race, second sacker Jeff Kent ( .334, 33, 125 ) who won it, and Barry Bonds (.306, 49, 106), one of the greatest left fielders ever. They took a hit when Ellis Burks took his bum knees to Cleveland, but it was obvious that he would return to the league where he could DH. Replacement Armando Rios is unlikely to come anywhere near his offensive production or quiet leadership. They also lost fan favorite Bill Mueller, to the Cubs. Mueller platooned with Russ Davis at third. Davis, who has more power, becomes the full time hot corner man. Promising rookie Pedro Feliz is ready if Davis, who will hit second, can't cut back on the strikeouts.

Otherwise, it's the same club. Ever optimistic GM Brian Sabean explained that no they won't score as many runs, so they'll have to pitch better. Pitching they have, especially if the bulk of their starters have good years (you always have to figure that at least one will suffer injuries- it happens to every team). They have Sean Estes (15-6, 4.26), who they are still hoping will develop into a first tier starter. He has the stuff. As does Livan Hernandez (17-11), who thrived his first year by the Bay and also has 20-win potential. Then come reliable vets Russ Ortiz (14-12) and Kirk Rueter (11-9). They hope 39-year old Mark Gardner (11-7) can give them one more year as the fifth starter. Young Joe Nathan will be pushing him.

Rob Nen (41 svs, 1.50) is as good a closer as there is. Felix Rodriguez is a flame-throwing setup man. New arrival Tim Worrell, Alan Embree, John Johnstone (both coming off surgery), Aaron Fultz and Miguel Del Toro are adequate.

The other regulars include JT Snow, Gold Glove first sacker with power (19, 96); SS Rich Aurilla who improves every year (.271, 20, 79); and CF Marvin Bernard, who scored 102 runs, but whose .342 OBP is far short of what you look for in a leadoff man. . Rapidly maturing catching tandem Bobby Estalella and Doug Mirabelli pleased their pitchers in their first season in San Francisco.

Although the baseball world finally discovered that this team was more than Dusty Baker's overachievers plus Barry Bonds, one still can't underestimate the importance of the skipper on this club. He is one of the most popular managers ever, and one of the best, as three NL championships in the past four years prove. Players now want come to San Francisco because of their recent success, the gorgeous new stadium and Baker; they used to come just because of Baker.