When we last left the San Francisco Giants, Russ Ortiz was cruising — pitching shutout baseball and allowing just two hits through six innings. But, after a seemingly innocuous single with one out in the seventh inning, the world shattered for the Giants.-

After Ortiz surrendered a second-consecutive single, Baker made the critical and controversial decision that will continue to spoil in the soul of Giants fans for some time — he pulled Ortiz in favor of reliever Felix Rodriguez who, in a 10-pitch at bat, forfeited a Scott Spezio three-run blast. The Angels never looked back, and the Giants were left stunned.-

But so much has changed since then, thanks to general manager Brian Sabean, who has orchestrated a team, despite all the changes, good enough to make it back to the World Series. –

The most notable losses: Former MVP Jeff Kent, David Bell, Kenny Lofton and Ortiz. The new faces include a proven hitter in former Mets third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, right fielder Jose Cruz Jr., starting lefthander Damian Moss and excellent lead-off man — something the Giants have lacked for over a decade — second baseman Ray Durham. The new face in the dugout is 67-year-old Felipe Alou, replacing longtime Giants manager Dusty Baker. –

The team has embodied an almost mirror image of the Anaheim team that beat them. Last year, the team relied on the long ball, whereas this year’s squad will look to play “small-ball” and use increased speed to win games.

The versatility of Durham and Cruz to bat from both sides of the plate at the top of the lineup combined with Aurilia batting third, should give both Barry Bonds and Alfonzo great opportunities to hit with runners in scoring position. –

STRENGTHS-

Barry Bonds: His presence in the lineup allows the men in front of him to see better pitches and allows the guys behind him to hit with men on base. Bonds hit 10 home runs in spring training, eclipsing a club record.-

Bench: The Giants go into 2003 as a much deeper and more multi-talented team. Gold glove winner Neifi Perez will play as a utility infielder. Ruben Rivera, who hit .400 in spring training, along with Andres Galarraga and Marvin Bernard will provide superior bats off the bench than that of the 2002 squad. –

WEAKNESSES-

The rotation: The rotation is a major question mark heading into 2003. The Giants traded away both Livan Hernandez and Russ Ortiz in the off-season, and will rely on their highly touted young arms to push them through the season. The Giants have thrown 24-year-old Kurt Ainsworth into the rotation, and will return Ryan Jensen to his second year as starter. Look for rookie pitcher Jesse Foppert to fill into the rotation at the first falter or injury of any Giants’ starters.-

Bonds’ Protection: Bonds may or may not miss Jeff Kent in 2003, depending on the hitting from Aurilia and Alfonzo. Aurilia should feel more comfortable hitting in front of Bonds again, but Alfonzo must come through when teams walk the perennial all-star. The Giants hope Alfonzo’s sore back in 2002 is history, because without him they lack a serious RBI man and Bonds will walk over 200 times. –

PREDICTION

The Giants are a better all-around offensive team heading into the season. If the rotation can carry games to the bullpen, and Bonds is given protection, there is no reason why this team will not win at least 95 games. Bonds is good enough to single-handedly walk away with the NL West title and bring this team back to the World Series, perhaps winning it this time. –

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