With the spring training games all but over, the Giants roster is now pretty much set. I’m not sure how long the “no backup catchers other than Pablo Sandoval” thing will work out. However I think the rest of the bench is pretty solid.

The bullpen is…different. I’m not convinced yet it’s better, but we shall see. Hope Travis Ishikawa is not next in the Giants’ long recent line of AAAA hitters. Hope Pablo Sandoval isn’t a complete train wreck at third base.

If these hopes are realized, then I think the Giants have a good chance at, say, 80 or so wins this year.

In related news, was curious to see how some of the recent former Giants have fared this spring training. Here’s a quick summary:

We all know about Jack Taschner being traded to the Phillies, he will be in their bullpen as one of two lefties.

Russ Ortiz came out of nowhere as an NRI to be the Astros’ fifth starter.

Former Giants #1 draft pick David Aardsma won a spot in the Seattle Mariners bullpen. Tyler Walker did not, and was released outright. Mabye the Giants will re-sign him again (kidding!)

Kevin Correia, who was an NRI with the Padres, had a strong spring and will be their #4 starter. Eliezer Alfonzo, who was also an NRI with the Padres, didn’t fare quite as well. He was just assigned to their minor league camp.

Brad Hennessey, who was in camp with the Orioles, didn’t make the club and was assigned to their minor league camp on 3/25. The same fate befell Guillermo Rodriquez, who was trying to win a job as Baltimore’s third catcher.

Jerome Williams was an early demotion by the A’s, sent down on 3/16.

Dan Ortmeier had a solid spring for the Rockies, and had been on the bubble to get one of their reserve outfielder spots. But the Rockies have decided instead to keep Dexter Fowler, one of their top OF prospects, instead of sending him down to get more playing time, so as of this writing, it looks like Ortmeier will  be one of the last cuts.

Travis Denker was an earlier cut by the Padres, optioned to AAA on 3/19.

The much-maligned Jose Castillo was an NRI with the Nationals, but as of this writing was not on their opening day roster.

Dave Roberts has not hooked on anywhere. In a blurb in the Mercury news a couple of weeks ago, he did not seem optimistic about his chances of playing again, but is keeping his head held high.

Rajai Davis seems to have stablized as a reserve outfielder across the bay for the A’s.

Todd Linden was just reassigned to AAA by the Yankees and will start the season with their affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Cody Ransom, believe it or not, will open New Yankee Stadium as the Yankees third baseman while A-Rod recovers from his injury.

And Omar Vizquel fans will be happy to know that he did win a roster spot with the Rangers and will be backing up and tutoring the Rangers’ young infielders.

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