The San Francisco Giants captured the World Series in 2010, but couldn’t reach the postseason last season. Their record was 86-76, so they were never far off the mark and with the additions of outfielders Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan this offense should get just enough of a boost for San Fran to be in contention once more. If you’d like to know a lot more about this squad check out our 2012 San Francisco Giants preview.
Projected Lineup
Buster Posey (Catcher) – Posey played just 45 games last season thanks to a devastating ankle injury. San Francisco truly missed his hitting in the middle of the order after he got injured. In 160 big league games, Posey has hit .294 with 22 homers and 88 RBI. The Giants expect similar numbers from him when he comes back in 2012.
Aubrey Huff (First Base) – After batting .290 with 26 homers and 86 RBI in 2010, Huff actually disappointed last season, with just a .246 average to go with 12 homers and 59 RBI in 150 games. At the age of 36, it is hard to expect him to spring back after a bad showing, but with his track record, you never can say.
Freddy Sanchez (2nd Base) – Sanchez has been in and out of the lineup thanks to injuries since coming over from Pittsburgh in 2009. He has the power to bat around .300 with 10 homers and 75 RBI if healthy, but that sure is a huge if, as he has played in just 111 games in 2010 and 60 games last year. At the age of 34, he isn’t getting any younger, either.
Brandon Crawford (Shortstop) – The Giants are hoping Crawford’s defensive proficiency can offset his offensive deficiencies. He hit just .204 in 66 games last year, and the 25-year-old has not shown any progress towards be anything higher than a passable offensive player at the very best.
Pablo Sandoval (Third Base) – A horrible 2010 season had a few people doubting him, but after losing 40 pounds in the offseason, he demonstrated the doubters wrong by posting All-Star stats last season. He hit .315 with 23 home runs and 70 RBI in just 117 games. As long as he stays fit and galvanized, Sandoval has what it takes to be still more outstanding in 2012.
Melky Cabrera (Left Field) – Cabrera is coming of a career year in which he hit career highs with a .305 average, 18 homers, 87 RBI and 20 stolen bases with the Kansas City Royals. It is safe to assume that last year may not be merely a fluke for Cabrera, as he is only turning 27 in August.
Angel Pagan (Center Field) – Pagan will be looking to erase a sub-par 2011, as the outfielder batted just .262 with an OBP of .322 after posting a .290 average and .340 OBP in 2010. He managed to steal 32 bags in just 123 games, which gives him an overall total of 69 steals over the last two years.
Nate Schierholtz (Right Field) – The expectancies for Schierholtz in 2012 are relatively low, as he hit just .278 with 9 home runs and 41 RBI in 335 at-bats last year. The Giants hope he can hold his own in the right field this season, but they are no longer looking for a breakout season from the fellow.
If you would like to beat the baseball odds this season then join the MLB betting picks at BetFirms.
Related:
Panda Hat 48Yes, your opinions matter to us. Lots our Facebook Animal Hats fans request us to bring a Panda Hat with No. 48 embroidery. So, we bring you this "PAN... Read More >
Pablo Sandoval Autographed / Signed Game Used Batting GlovesPablo Sandoval Autographed / Signed Game Used Batting Gloves. Both Gloves are Signed
Pablo Sandoval 24KT Gold Coin Photo MintA Limited Edition of only 1000! The Highland Mint features in a 13 x 16" frame with triple matting an individually numbered 8?x10? photo of Pablo Sand... Read More >
MLB Pablo Sandoval San Francisco Giants Adult Short Sleeve Basic Tee (Black, Medium)Show support for your favorite Giants in Majestic's official Player Name & Number Tee.
