We'll probably see Klesko at first and Aurilia at third several times during the course of the season. But I expect Feliz to remain the regular third baseman, barring injury or a colossal slump. You have a point: On some extremely good teams, Feliz might indeed be a utilityman. But the power-starved Giants need the pop Feliz provides, however inconsistently. For better or worse, he averaged 21 home runs the past three seasons. Feliz's biggest problem in 2006 was insufficient rest. With Aurilia and perhaps Kevin Frandsen available to give him a break -- and with Klesko handy, as you said, to play first when Aurilia isn't there -- Feliz should remain fresh and potentially more productive this season.

With the Giants more than loaded at first base (Aurilla, Klesko, Lance Niekro, Travis Ishikawa) and in the outfield (Barry Bonds, Dave Roberts, Randy Winn, Todd Linden, Klesko, Jason Ellison, Fred Lewis), is it safe to say that 1B-OF Mark Sweeney's days as a Giant are numbered? And with Linden, Niekro and Ellison all out of Minor League options, how will the Giants get around that come Opening Day?
-- Kenneth P., Redding, Calif.

The personnel glut you outlined should create intrigue as March unfolds. Sweeney still has value as a pinch-hitter, but Klesko's could make Sweeney's presence redundant. They co-existed previously in San Diego, and manager Bruce Bochy knows Sweeney well and respects his skills. But there probably won't be room for Sweeney if the Giants open the season with 12 pitchers, so a trade is indeed possible.

I expect Linden to make the team, but Ellison and Niekro are relative long shots, despite their Major League experience. The Giants would prefer to get something in return for Ellison and Niekro, instead of simply waiving them and watching another team claim them. So they'll be auditioning for 29 other teams during exhibition games.

I see that Pat Misch is the last guy on the bullpen depth chart. Who is he and what are his chances?
-- Martin H., Oakland

Misch, 25, finished 9-6 with a 2.93 ERA in 28 games (27 starts) combined at Double-A Connecticut and Triple-A Fresno and pitched a scoreless inning at Milwaukee on Sept. 21 in his big-league debut.

A left-hander, Misch doesn't throw especially hard, but he has outstanding control (137 walks in 577 2/3 Minor League innings). He'll probably begin the season at Triple-A and could make it to the Giants if injuries erode the starting rotation.

How important do you think Spring Training is for players? Wouldn't guys like Bonds and Armando Benitez be better off resting up for the start of the season?
-- Niall C., Belfast, Ireland

Even older players such as Bonds and Benitez need Spring Training. They just probably need less, as long as they're healthy -- and in Benitez's case, he isn't, so he needs this spring to prove that he's ready to pitch.

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My personal feeling is that players can get by with only about four weeks of Spring Training -- the current six-week period is far too long. So pitchers take advantage of this long stretch to get their arms in shape, maintaining a steady pace and not rushing themselves. Hitters use Spring Training to regain the timing of their swings. Pitches that jam them in March often get crushed in August.

Why did the Giants get rid of Jeremy Accardo? I had high hopes for him as a Giants pitcher. I could understand the trade if Shea Hillenbrand had signed with the team for a few years.
-- Joe M., San Francisco

The move (Accardo to Toronto for Hillenbrand and right-hander Vinnie Chulk on July 21) certainly didn't provide the short-term benefits the Giants sought. They thought that Hillenbrand would stimulate the offense, but he hit only .248, and his .415 slugging percentage was far below average for a first baseman. Had Hillenbrand hit better, the Giants probably would have re-signed him, thereby increasing their "return" for Accardo, who has a lively arm. The Giants hope that Chulk can offer the bullpen depth that Accardo would have provided. Chulk had his moments after coming over from Toronto, striking out 25 in 22 1/3 innings. But he lacks consistency, as his 5.24 ERA with the Giants demonstrated.

How is Damian Moss doing after last year's blood clots? Will he have a chance at even the Minors for any team?
-- Karen M., Knoxville, Tenn.

Due to personal reasons, Moss left camp immediately after workouts for pitchers and catchers began. Being left-handed, he might be able to coax a Minor League contract out of somebody, but he's not exactly in high demand.

I believe giving Omar Vizquel a two-year contract extension is a no-brainer! He is without a doubt the best shortstop the Giants have had.
-- Al N., Sacramento

Funny thing -- usually the Giants get criticized for signing older players. Vizquel turns 40 on April 24. Spry as he is, he won't stay that way forever. Do you truly believe that Vizquel will be nimble enough to play shortstop in the Major Leagues at this time in 2009, or even 2008? That's what the Giants must ask themselves. The front office loves Omar, but there's some sentiment within the organization to "get younger" at his position. A compromise, in the form of a one-year deal plus an option for a second season, may be more feasible.