SF Giants: Predicting the Starting Lineup in 2012

The one downside to the recent explosion of the San Francisco Giants offense is that it somehow will diminish the numbers of offensive futility the Giants had displayed. It might make the front office believe that this orgy of runs is anything other than freak happenstance, which could thereby cause some poor decisions to be made regarding talent acquisition this offseason.

Despite that, I fully believe that the San Francisco Giants will fill the most needed gaps this offseason. Without further ado, here is my prediction for the opening day lineup in 2012. 

Jose Reyes

Spot:                     Leadoff

Position:              Shortstop

Acquired via:      Free Agency

I predict that Jose Reyes will be the key, and one of the few offensive additions the San Francisco Giants make this offseason. He fills seemingly every hole on the team, in that he is at once a leadoff hitter, a stolen base threat, a game-changer and a shortstop.

I predict that his predecessor, Brandon Crawford, will ride the bench and assume a role not different than Mike Fontenot’s has been this year. Jose Reyes will provide the necessary spark that will propel the Giants to greater offensive production. Despite the possibility that Reyes may see time on the Disabled List, I believe this threat is mitigated by the offense he can generate while healthy. 

Freddy Sanchez

Spot:                     Second

Position:              Second Base

Acquired via:      Returning Player from Injury

Freddy Sanchez’ presence in the lineup has been sorely missed since he went down with a shoulder injury in June. Despite the fact that Jeff Keppinger has stepped up and filled in admirably in Sanchez’ absence, Keppinger does not possess Freddy’s defensive prowess, nor has he shown quite the same knack for timely hitting. With stolen base threat Reyes hitting in front of him, Sanchez could be primed for a career year in RBI.

Jeff Keppinger is headed for arbitration. If he were comfortable resigning himself to the role of backup or utility infielder, then he might be worth re-signing for the right price. I fully expect the Giants to let him walk, however. 

Carlos Beltran

Spot:                     Third

Position:              Right Field

Acquired via:      Returning Player (FA)

I believe Carlos Beltran will return to the Giants. I believe he is worth it, and considering the Giants fundamental need at shortstop, Jose Reyes would have to take priority over Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder. This would leave the Giants with enough money to sign one other free agent, preferably one who would not command a mercilessly high price-tag. Enter Carlos Beltran.

Beltran would likely displace the already displaced Nate Schierholtz permanently. In a position where power is a priority—right field—Nate Schierholtz has proven through years of opportunity to be little more than a .270 singles hitter. Beltran would be a significant upgrade. 

Pablo Sandoval

Spot:                      Cleanup (Fourth)

Position:               Third Base

Acquired via:       Returning Player

Pablo Sandoval will return with a vengeance next season. He will hit over 30 home runs and bat well over .300. He will drive in over 100 runs and be a leading candidate for MVP. I predict that the Kung Fu Panda will improve his offseason conditioning to an even greater extent than he did last year and return a lean, mean, slugging machine.

Sandoval won’t displace anybody at third base. I predict that Mark DeRosa may sign a token contract (ala Pat Burrell this season) and remain on the team to give Sandoval the occasional day off. 

Buster Posey

Spot:                      Fifth

Position:              Catcher

Acquired via:      Returning Player from Injury

Buster Posey will likely not miss a beat. The young star of the Giants and (for now) reigning Rookie of the Year has been making exceptional progress ever since the May incident that dashed his season—and that of the Giants—when Scott Cousins collided with him at home plate.

Posey will significantly outperform Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart. I predict that the Giants will keep Stewart as a backup and will release Whiteside. There is a chance that the Giants may instead rid themselves of both catchers in order to develop Hector Sanchez.

The one caveat for Buster is this: I firmly believe that his value to the team is correlated to the fact that he is a catcher. A historically weak offensive position, Posey represents a 20 home run, .070 batting average, 60 RBI difference over what the Giants currently field. Were he to move to any other position, his numbers would be solid…but they would cease to be spectacular. 

Aubrey Huff

Spot:                     Sixth

Position:              First Base

Acquired via:      Returning Player

Aubrey Huff, not Brandon Belt or Brett Pill, will be the starting first baseman on 2012 opening day. Having examined Aubrey Huff’s career, I speculate that he will return to form next season. His career trajectory has had more rises and falls than a Six Flags roller coaster, and he is due for an upswing.

Brett Pill will likely end up platooning with Huff should the veteran not perform to his capabilities, and I expect that Pill will take over the position in 2013. The only other option I can see here is if the Giants look for someone willing to take on Huff’s contract, but I do not anticipate that option being especially viable. 

Brandon Belt

Spot:                     Seventh

Position:              Left Field

Acquired via:      Returning Player

Brandon Belt’s first full season in the Major Leagues should be telling. Given his current batting average and holes in his swing, I would have to slot Belt below Aubrey Huff in the lineup at this point. My position may change come next April. I predict Brandon Belt will have an excellent year, hitting around .270 with 25 home runs and 80 RBI.

Brandon Belt will displace a number of left-fielders, including Pat “The Bat” Burrell (who you might just see back again for one more year) and other better-left-dead outfielders. Good riddance. 

Cody Ross

Spot:                     Eighth

Position:              Center Field

Acquired via:      Returning Player (FA)

I think Cody Ross is coming back. Cody has shown that he has not completely lost his offensive spark and that he is more than capable of playing center field. I expect that Ross will come back and put up solid numbers (for him), hitting in the .250-.260 range. I also expect that he will platoon with Justin Christian and return to the Giants for a large salary cut.

Cody Ross’ return will also signal the end of the Andres Torres era. I am on the fence about whether or not Ross will return. He definitely provides power that other in-house candidates are seemingly unable to provide, and with the signings of Reyes and Beltran, I doubt that the Giants would have the money to go after a center-fielder. 

Tim Lincecum

Spot:                     Ninth

Position:              Pitcher

Acquired via:      Returning Player

Timmy will go 5 for 5 on opening night, hitting for the cycle and smashing two grand slams in one inning . Hey, I can dream, can’t I?