5 Prospects Who Could Start for San Francisco Giants in 2012

The San Francisco Giants have always been a team to build from within.

Two key parts of the Giants' 2010 World Series title were players in their first full seasons: catcher Buster Posey and starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Posey also won Rookie of the Year honors to go along with his ring.

For every free-agent splash General Manager Brian Sabean has failed to make, he has been immensely successful in fostering a farm system that boasts current starters Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Pablo Sandoval as alumni.

Trying to evaluate minor league talent is no easy task. For every Buster Posey, there are hundreds of players who fail to deliver at the major league level. Thus, maintaining a fresh, full farm system is pivotal.

The Giants' farm has taken a hit in the last couple of years, losing pitching prospects Tim Alderson and Zack Wheeler in trades. Still, several significant talents remain ready for their chance. Some players have already made their major league debuts, while other call-ups are simply a matter of time.

Which ones will make the cut in 2012?

Let's look at five who are ready to don the orange and black.

Outfielder: Gary Brown

No conversation about the San Francisco Giants' farm system can begin with anyone but Gary Brown.

The Giants' first-round draft pick in 2010 abused the competition in the 2011 California League. Brown hit .336, with 14 HRs and 80 RBIs in 131 games. He led his San Jose team in almost every offensive category, and led the league in hits and triples.

He was selected as the California League Topps Player of the Year.

Brown is considered the Giants' top prospect, but his major league debut date is a topic of contention.

With the additions of Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan to the outfield, the Giants' don't have an obvious hole for Brown to fill. Nate Schierholtz, Brandon Belt and Aubrey Huff are also contenders for time in the deep grass. Despite the absence of a roster space, the Giants' extended Brown an invite to Spring Training in 2012 (via MiLB.com)

It won't be the last we hear of Brown this season.

Depending on what Brown does in Scottsdale, he stands to be the first in line should any injuries or prolonged slumps find the Giants' starting outfielders. While another season working through his swing and rising in the ranks of minor league ball can only help Brown, his offensive contributions make it hard to see him anywhere but the bigs by season's end.

Pitcher: Heath Hembree

Heath Hembree can bring the heat.

The 24-year-old had a scorching 2011, posting a 1-0 record and 1.86 ERA in 54 relief appearances between Class A Advanced San Jose and Double-A Richmond. He also notched 38 saves.

Hembree's dominance earned him the recognitions of being a California League All-Star and a Topps Class A All-Star. The fifth-round pick in 2010, Hembree really came alive last season, and people took notice.

ESPN Insider Keith Law chose Hembree as his "sleeper pick" of 2011 minor league prospects.

With an invite to Spring Training, Hembree is a close to a sure bet to join the bullpen at some point in 2012. And should Brian Wilson ever depart for greener pastures, Hembree could very well be groomed as a closer for the future.

First Base: Brett Pill

If Giants' fans didn't know about Brett Pill prior to last September, they certainly do now.

The late-season call-up stormed into San Francisco, belting a home run in his first major league at bat. He didn't stop there: In 50 plate appearances, Pill had seven runs and 15 hits. The small sample-size and inconsistent plate time left fans wanting more.

Aubrey Huff wants less.

Huff will go to Scottsdale with every intention of defending his position as the starting first baseman. Brandon Belt, while possibly headed to the outfield, will also be considered for first, which leaves Pill with a lot to prove. There is no guarantee that Huff can live up to the expectations of Bochy and Sabean, which may afford Pill a shot at first to start the season.

Even if Huff does start 2012, he'll need to offer continuous production with Pill waiting the wings

Catcher: Hector Sanchez

Hector Sanchez came into a miserable scenario.

In the wake of Buster Posey's season-ending injury last May, Sanchez joined the Giants' in July as the team attempted to patch together a solution. Making his major league debut, Sanchez was used sparingly, and his disappointments at the plate resonated with fans longing for what they no longer had.

The 2012 season is Sanchez's chance to set things right.

Of the three catchers available to back up Posey, Sanchez offers more offensively than Chris Stewart or Eli Whiteside. In the minors, Sanchez hit .285 with 12 HR and 84 RBI. At 22, he stands to build on his numbers and come into his own as a catcher.

Even more promising is the front office's proclamation that Posey will spend regular stints at first base to spell him of the demands of catching. If Sanchez can bring it in Spring Training, he stands a decent chance of ousting Eli Whiteside as the team's backup catcher.

Pitcher: Eric Surkamp

Eric Surkamp is in good company.

The newest starting pitcher for the Giants enters into a legacy solidified by Tim Lincecum, Matt and most recently, Madison Bumgarner.

After being called up last August, Surkamp struggled in his role in the rotation. The fifth starter made six starts, going 2-2 with a 5.74 ERA and 13 strikeouts. In for an injured Barry Zito, Surkamp got his all-important first exposure to the major leagues.

Is there a place for him in 2012?

Brian Sabean stated last week that the fifth starter spot was "Barry Zito's to lose" (via San Jose Mercury News). With this in mind, Surkamp is the clear front-runner to usurp him. Zito is signed through 2013, so despite his immense failures as a pitcher, the front office will need compelling evidence before they'll consider eating $30 million.

Hopefully Surkamp can utilize his experiences in 2011 to make Zito really earn a position in an otherwise stellar rotation. At the very least, he will be ready to take the reigns if (when) Zito falters.