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Chicago Cubs: Who stands in the way of the NL Pennant?
By Mike Rankin
San Francisco Giants
Key adds include: Johnny Cueto, Denard Span, Jeff Samardzija, re-signed Brandon Crawford to six-year deal
The Giants were on the Cubs tail for much of 2015, but they could not overcome the overwhelming amount of injuries and eventually fell short. This offseason, San Francisco is making it clear that they’re all in for 2016.
With big time acquisitions of Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija, the Giants rotation looks dangerous behind Madison Bumgarner, Jake Peavy, and Matt Cain. Combine their rotation with a studded lineup that’s almost identical to last year — where they ranked fifth in hits, third in average, and fourth in OBP, respectively — the Giants appear to be the favorite in the NL West.
And, surprise surprise, it’s going to be an even year.
Next: The air out there