San Francisco Giants: 5 Reasons to Believe in a Buster Posey Comeback in 2012

Although it seems like the odds are stacked against Buster Posey returning to his Rookie of the Year form, the San Francisco Giants catcher has the skills and patience behind the plate to rebound in a big way.

When Posey went out with a season ending injury, the Giants lost one of their best hitters and the leader of their pitching staff.

Now in 2012 Posey returns in the same role, but due to some rosters moves in the offseason and spring training, there is less pressure on the former first-round pick.

By all accounts Posey is healthy and the Giants still need him to produce to get back to the playoffs. Here are five reasons why he may just be Comeback Player of the Year. 

Posey Is Not Just a Power Hitter

Every Giants fan would like Buster Posey to hit 30 HR, bat .330 and have 130 RBI. The reality will probably look like .305/20/95.

Considering he may be the best Giants power hitter outside of Pablo Sandoval, those numbers may be cause for concern.

That being said, the Giants are not a power-hitting team and don't need Posey to jack 30 bombs to get back to make the playoffs.

When Posey is at the top of his game, he is using all fields and hitting for average. The power numbers will come, but fans shouldn't be concerned if Posey gets off to a slow start once again.

Remember his rookie season, he didn't get hot until July when he put together a 21-game hitting streak and blasted seven home runs. 

The Giants Have More Production in the Lineup

If you would have said the Giants would be sixth in the league in runs scored and 11th in home runs with Buster Posey missing one-third of their games—calling you crazy may have been an understatement. 

So far the Giants have been able to be productive on offense scoring almost five runs per game.

Granted they did play at two hitter-friendly parks before coming home to AT&T, but with the addition of Melky Cabrera and the emergence of Pablo Sandoval, the Giants are a different team.

No longer is there this added pressure on Posey to carry the Giants offense night in and night out.

He has always been known for his plate discipline and ability to drive the ball, and now with added protection in the lineup he may be getting better pitches to hit.  

The Emergence of Hector Sanchez

Having Hector Sanchez make the 25-man roster was great news to some Giants fans, but it may have been even better news to Buster Posey. 

The 22-year-old prospect will be the backup catcher and handle the Giants' pitching staff when Posey takes the day off.

The great news for Posey and the Giants, Sanchez can actually hit.

After a productive spring where he hit .383 with four big flies and 10 RBI, Sanchez has hit safely in all three games he's played, extending his hitting streak which started last season to nine.

Though Sanchez's power numbers may be the question mark, having a talented hitting catcher backing up Posey will reduce the pressure to play him more or at first base.

Giving Posey a couple extra days off may be key during the first part of the season, and the Giants now have the luxury to do so.

Buster Posey Is a Pure Hitter

In 2010, when Posey won the ROY, he wasn't just pulling the ball down the line, but rather lining it off the center field wall or driving the ball deep into triple's ally.

When he's at his best he's going with the pitch and driving it for extra bases. He has the ability to hit to all fields and hit with power.

In July of his rookie season, Posey hit four of his seven bombs to the opposite field and increased his production when he went the opposite way. 

Posey will have a comeback year because he doesn't need to rely on his power to add production to the Giants' lineup. Posey can be successful at the plate because of his maturity in the batter's box.

Posey Won't Be Blocking the Plate

Whether you're an old school baseball nut or May 26th was your first baseball game, it's safe to say Buster Posey's injury changed the Giants season.

The debate still rages to whether the play at the plate was malicious or not, but this year the Giants aren't taking any chances.

The Giants' coaching staff have told Posey to not block the plate in the traditional way, and expect him to avoid collisions when possible. 

Even if you don't agree with the Giants' decision, the team needs Posey to get back to the World Series, and another injury to his ankle may not only ruin his season, but possibly his career.

Overall, Posey is a competitor who won't let an ankle injury or even shingles get in the way of a terrific comeback season. Though it may take some time for Posey to find his stride, look for him to finish the year strong.