by dean Boerner | Sports Editor
The Giants aren’t contenders this season because it’s an even year. The Giants are contenders this season simply because they should be very, very good. San Francisco disappointed last season, posting a pedestrian 84-78 record and finishing second in the NL West. Fortunately for Giants fans, General Manager Bobby Evans directly addressed their biggest weakness in the offseason by signing a pair of quality starting pitchers in Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardjiza. The Giants also bolstered their lineup with the under-the-radar signing of centerfielder Denard Span, a prototypical leadoff hitter.