Am I the only fan frustrated at watching other teams making moves while the Giants stand pat? Next to signing Aaron Rowand and Omar Vizquel, the Giants have done nothing to improve their ballclub. Do you think they're done making moves?
-- Mark B., Santa Clara, Calif.

The orange-and-black-clad natives are restless, as this double helping of input reflects. The fans' impatience is understandable, since the Giants typically have reshaped their roster by this juncture of the offseason. As Ryan pointed out, many other teams are in a similar holding pattern. That doesn't necessarily excuse the Giants; it simply demonstrates that they're not as far behind the curve as many people think. Ideally, the club will address the third-base issue and add a veteran reliever to provide experience and stability before pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 13. Regarding third base, they could be waiting until the exhibition season to gauge the performance of some trade candidates recovering from injuries (Joe Crede? Eric Chavez?), but I doubt that general manager Brian Sabean wants to wait that long. Recently, defending Sabean means inviting ridicule, but despite the Giants' inactivity, he fully knows what he must do to put the team in position to win. The Scott Rolen-Troy Glaus trade could start a chain reaction that facilitates other deals -- maybe even one or two involving the Giants.

Wouldn't Johnny Estrada be a more suitable option for a backup catcher than what we have already?
-- Randy S., Paradise, Calif.

Actually, Eliezer Alfonzo should suffice in that role. Intent on rehabilitating his image and the sprained left knee that ruined his 2007 season, Alfonzo recently was named Most Valuable Player in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he amassed 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 53 games with Caribes. He reportedly added five more homers in the league playoffs. "He's really motivated to re-prove himself," said Benny Quintero, Alfonzo's agent. As a veteran free agent who probably would command a seven-figure deal and/or some costly contractual guarantees, Estrada would be an extravagance for the Giants. As mentioned above, they have more pressing needs.

It seems that a lot of teams are searching for center field help. With the Giants looking to go younger, why have they not tried to trade Dave Roberts to open a spot for one of the young players to start?
-- Angel T., Walnut Creek, Calif.

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Atlanta's deal with the A's for Mark Kotsay made me wonder about Roberts' marketability, too. The Giants surely would trade Roberts in the right deal. But Roberts' contract (he's owed $6.5 million in each of the next two seasons) could be a hindrance. Besides, the Giants need him in left field, since the other leading outfield candidates -- Rajai Davis, Fred Lewis and Nate Schierholtz -- are virtually rookies and lack a track record. The Giants hope that Roberts can stay healthy and perform as he did after recovering from left elbow surgery last season, when he hit .296 in the final three months.

Is Emmanuel Burriss going to be a good enough hitter to break through at the big league level? I can't help but get excited about his tremendous speed, basestealing instincts, and high-energy persona. Can he make an impact on the roster in '08, or perhaps even earn a starting job in '09?
-- Kenneth K., Carmel, Calif.

Burriss, who could open the season with Double-A Connecticut, will be watched closely this year with an eye toward bringing him to the Majors in 2009. Obviously, whether he'll develop as a hitter is uncertain, although he seems to have recovered from his disappointing start last year, when he hit .165 in 36 games with high-Class A San Jose. He proceeded to bat .321 with 51 steals at low-A Augusta and followed that by hitting .365 in 17 games for Scottsdale in the Arizona Fall League while playing both second base and shortstop. He also stole eight bases in nine tries in the AFL. The Giants definitely have high hopes for Burriss, a supplemental first-round pick (33rd overall) in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft who's among 15 non-roster invitees to Spring Training. But I doubt that Burriss will make a significant impact with San Francisco this year, unless he follows the example of Eugenio Velez. And keep in mind that Velez was in his sixth professional season last year; Burris is entering his third.

Considering that the Giants don't have a third baseman or first baseman they really like, how about giving Scott McClain a shot? I know he's a career Minor Leaguer, but 31 homers and 100 RBIs at Triple-A Fresno is still pretty impressive.
-- Johnny W., Sacramento, Calif.

McClain, who's a non-roster invitee to Spring Training, probably will get a longer look this year, if the September promotion he received last season is any indication. But Dan Ortmeier has the strongest chance of claiming the first-base job and whomever the Giants find to play third will maintain that spot. Still, given the Giants' current state, they're willing to consider that McClain could help in some way, if only to provide competition.

In your opinion, do you feel that Velez is ready to make the 25-man Major League roster? And if so, is he more of threat to break out at shortstop or second base? He has the potential to be a great leadoff hitter.
-- Ron A., Jacksonville, Fla.

Velez needs more polish, both offensively and defensively. Also, as you mentioned, the Giants need to find him a position. He didn't conclusively prove whether he's better suited for the outfield or infield during his cameo appearance in the Majors last September, so that's a work in progress. But there's no denying his electrifying speed. If he hits with any proficiency, the Giants will find a way to get him in the lineup.

What is the Giants' expected payroll this season? How does it compare to the rest of the teams in the division?
-- Steven H., Redwood City, Calif.

Owner Peter Magowan and general manager Brian Sabean have said that the anticipated payroll will be around $90 million-$95 million -- about the same as it was last year. The amount the Giants spend isn't a problem, since the Dodgers are the National League West's only team with a higher payroll. But, as club management has admitted, where that money is allocated has been an issue.