Depending on Freddy Sanchez's progress, this could kill Bowker's chance at regular playing time this season. Mark DeRosa figures to be the everyday left fielder, so once the projected lineup is in place, regular at-bats are going to be hard time come by. Bowker, 26, batted .194 with two home runs and seven RBI in 67 at-bats with the Giants last season, but torched Triple-A Fresno, batting .342 with 21 home runs and 83 RBI.

"I'm just trying to keep an open mind," said Lincecum. "If anybody knows my flaws, I do. If they're going to point them out and that has to happen, then whatever. I know I've got to get better. I don't feel like my feelings are hurt." The two-time Cy Young Award winner asked for $13 million and was offered $8 million when arbitration figures were disclosed in January. With such unprecedented success for a first-time arbitration-eligible starting pitcher, Baggarly speculates that the Giants could possibly bring up Lincecum's marijuana citation. It would be a low blow, but the 25-year-old acknowledges that the incident made him realize it's time for him to "grow up." According to the report, if an agreement cannot be reached, the hearing will be held sometime between February 10-15.

The Giants still view Posey as their future starting catcher, but he's blocked this year by Bengie Molina and a little versatility would only help his long-term value. Posey, who turns 23 in late March, batted .325/.416/.531 last season with 18 homers and 80 RBI between Single-A San Jose and Triple-A Fresno. He's likely to begin the 2010 season with Fresno.

It might not be the smartest strategy, but it sure is exciting. Bumgarner, who doesn't turn 21 until early August, had a 1.80 ERA in the 10 innings he pitched for the Giants last year. He spent most of the season at Single-A Connecticut and Double-A San Jose, where he rattled off a combined 12-2 record, 1.85 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 131 1/3 innings.

The Giants designated Guzman for assignment in late January in order to clear room for the re-signing of veteran catcher Bengie Molina. Guzman, 25, made just 20 major league at-bats last season.

"We know nothing is imminent, but hopefully we keep in contact with them," said the Brooklyn-native and St. John's graduate. "It's just been preliminary, but they said there could be some interest down the road. So I'm concentrating more on just making sure my body is ready. I still have the desire to compete and play. I can contribute. I've been throwing, swinging the bat and actually feel pretty good." The 38-year-old infielder was limited to just 60 games last season due to an ankle injury, batting .213/.256/.279 with two homers and 16 RBI in 122 at-bats. An invite to Spring Training isn't out of the question for either team, but he's unlikely to add much usefulness at this stage of his career.

Lincecum asked for $13 million and was offered $8 million when arbitration figures were exchanged last month. They already appear destined for a hearing, one that Lincecum will surely win, but multiple sources have told Urban that San Francisco's young ace has dismissed several two-year deals from the club. Proposing a two-year deal is telling, not only because he will have two more years of arbitration after the contract, but it may play into concerns about his durability. That's pretty much the only leg the Giants have to stand on when a pitcher wins consecutive Cy Young awards, but this could get more contentious than they would have hoped.