SF Giants: Bold Predictions for Buster Posey, Carlos Beltran and the Offseason

Although the time between the final game of the regular season and the start of Spring Training is usually a bore, the San Francisco Giants have plenty of decisions to make and will certainly keep fans buzzing with excitement throughout the off-season.

Carlos Beltran and Cody Ross are two huge names who may or may not be returning, while the health of Buster Posey and Freddy Sanchez are still in question.

Additionally, huge names such as Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and C.C. Sabathia have all been linked to the Giants as possible names that could be coming to San Francisco.

All these possibilities will be answered with 12 bold predictions.

12. Brian Wilson Will Appear in Way Too Many Commercials

We all love Brian Wilson.

He's absolutely hilarious in most of the interviews he does, and some of his great quotes can be seen here.

Lately though, he's been appearing in commercials such as ones supporting Taco Bell, which really aren't funny at all. It's clear that the guys at Taco Bell love the beard as much as we do, but there's no point using him if they can't come up with anything original.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/671371-san-francisco-giants-brian-wilsons-10-most-hilarious-quotes

11. Teams Will Try to Land Javier Lopez

Javier Lopez has been one of the best relievers in baseball over the last two seasons, and he has changed from a lefty-specialist into an all-around monster.

Espn.com's Buster Olney "expects lots of teams to talk with the agent of Giants reliever Javier Lopez," according to mlbtraderumors.com.

Don't expect the Giants to let him go easily. In fact, it would be a shock if they gave in and let Lopez go at all.

10. Pablo Sandoval Will Come Back Even Better

Before the 2011 season, the Giants told Pablo Sandoval that he needed to cut a lot of weight over the offseason, or risk the possibility of losing his job.

That's exactly what Sandoval did. He came back last season and played great, even though he landed on the disabled list for a hand injury.

2012 should be even better. Sandoval knows now how much his hard work paid off last season, and should come back fitter and ready for battle.

9. Barry Zito Will Be Back...Again

For all the fans hoping the Giants would finally get rid of Barry Zito, keep hoping.

The only way the Giants would make this happen is if they:

A) Ate his entire contract and released him.

B) Trade him and still eat his entire contract.

First of all, nobody would want Zito, and even if they did, the Giants would still have to pay his contract, which they won't do.

Keep hoping.

8. Tim Lincecum Will Cut His Hair

This one is more of a shot in the dark, hoping Tim Lincecum will read this and react to it.

I know he loves to portray the "freak" role, but it seems like it's been nearly two years since he cut his hair. He did great in the majors with short hair, and it's time for a change.

Cut your hair, Tim!

7. Cody Ross Is Gone

Odds are the Giants don't re-sign Cody Ross.

He wasn't very productive last season and they still have Nate Schierholtz, along with the possibility of bringing back Carlos Beltran, Andres Torres or another big name.

Ross is still good enough to come off the bench in MLB, but the Giants won't want him for that purpose.

6. There Will Be a New Name in the Outfield

The main reason I think Cody Ross leaves is because the Giants will pull together and add another outfield name.

Coco Crisp and Grady Sizemore are the two most recent names that have been thrown around, and I think there's a great chance that they land one of the two.

Crisp would be a prime addition because the Giants need someone to bat leadoff, and Torres didn't do a good enough job last year to warrant another chance.

5. Giants Won't Add Any Huge Name

Although the Giants may land a name like Crisp, they won't be adding any All-Star.

Pujols, Fielder and Sabathia would all be great, but the odds any of them come to San Francisco are very low.

They may have enough money, but they won't take the risk and will let other teams swoop in and sign them.

4. Freddy Sanchez Will Be Healthy for Opening Day

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez was missed desperately after he landed on the disabled list with a season-ending shoulder injury.

There was question of whether he would even be able to play again all next year, but it's looking like he'll be healthy, which is fantastic news.

3. Buster Posey Will Have a Great Turnaround Season

Buster Posey will have a great turnaround season. At catcher!

His leg has been healing as well as it could be right now, and there's a great chance he'll be back to 100 percent by the beginning of the season.

Plus, this means no more Eli Whiteside or Chris Stewart behind the dish, which is great both offensively and defensively.

2. The Giants Will Re-Sign Carlos Beltran

Carlos Beltran will be a member of the Giants in 2012.

Mlb.com's Chris Haft thinks, "the club will make a genuine offer to re-sign Carlos Beltran," according to mlbtraderumors.com.

Plus, it sounds like Beltran wants to return. If the Giants make him an offer, there is no reason why he should turn it down.

1. The Giants Will Be NL West Favorites Entering the Season

With a healthy Posey and Sanchez, a new sense of excitement will build in this club, and they should be the preseason favorites to win the National League West.

If the Giants can add an outfielder and possibly a fifth starter, they should be just as good as they were in 2010. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain have proven they can keep the starting rotation stable, and Madison Bumgarner has been excellent in his short career as well.

That combination, along with the additional offense Posey and Beltran bring to the team, should be exciting for fans and players alike.