Off-season Moves

WHAT THEY NEEDED: A closer to replace Rod Beck. A shortstop to replace Jose Vizcaino. More starting pitchers. A backup third baseman.

WHAT THEY GOT: Robb Nen is the new closer, and Steve Reed and Dean Hartgraves will help in relief. Orel Hershiser steps into the rotation, and Charlie Hayes returns to platoon with Bill Mueller at third.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS: The Giants surprised everyone last season, and they may be even better this year, but they will need 12-15 wins from Hershiser and steady contributions from Kirk Rueter and Julian Tavarez. Hayes will add power. When Nen is at his best, he's better than Beck.