Giants excited to welcome back Posey, look forward to what the 2012 season has in store

With the countdown until pitchers and catchers report to camp less than 24 hours from now, no team is looking forward to step one of Major League Baseball's spring training more than the San Francisco Giants who will see the return of their star catcher Buster Posey. Though he's been in numerous interviews and was seen countless times walking in crutches over the past six months or so, for Giants fans, it has seemed like a lifetime since Posey was last seen on the baseball diamond in full gear following his freak accident. On May 25 of last season, the San Francisco faithful was stuck holding their breath when their reigning Rookie of the Year catcher was the unfortunate victim of a home plate collision in which Marlins outfielder Scott Cousins steamrolled the defenseless Posey who had to be helped off the field and treated for a broken fibula. The injury would put an end to Posey's season as well as put a dent in the Giants' chances of contending for a second consecutive World Series title.

Nearly a year later, Posey is expected to report to camp healthy enough in hopes of working out the kinks and getting back into regular season form. But as one could expect, it won't be easy given the continuous toll manning the catcher position puts on ones body. Posey, however, appears to have that bravado in him that lets you know he'll do whatever it takes to get back to where he once was. With that said, it's hard to bet against someone like that, let alone one of the games premiere backstops and bright young stars and is why I think he'll be just as big of an impact when he returns as he was before he got hurt. Prior to his absence, Posey ranked in the top 3 among catchers in Runs (59), Home runs (18), RBI's (70), and Hits (130) from May 29, 2010 when he became the teams full-time starter to May 25, 2011 when the injury occurred. His production (.284 BA, 4 HR's and 21 RBI) following the Giants' first 45 games games last season was missed deeply in a lineup which struggled on offense, ranking at the bottom in almost every offensive category possible. Another Giant that fans are looking forward to seeing again is second baseman Freddy Sanchez who underwent season-ending surgery after dislocating his shoulder on June 10, while diving for a ball.

With only a few minor roster changes from last year, on paper the Giants appear to once again showcase a lackluster offense. With last year's mid-season acquisition Carlos Beltran now playing in St. Louis, the Giants will have to look elsewhere to find a leader on offense assuming it'll take Posey at least a season to get comfortable in the batters box and get his swing back. Another pair of Giants that fans will have to grow accustomed without, are Pat Burrell who after 12 seasons in the big leagues has decided to hang em up and Cody Ross who last month signed with the Boston Red Sox. Not to be forgotten is speedy outfielder Andres Torres who was included in the trade for Angel Pagan. All of whom played key roles during San Francisco's title run in 2010, but struggled mightily at the plate in 2011. Despite their offensive woes just a season ago, the Giants still managed to finish ten games above .500 with an overall record of 86-76 mainly due to their dominant pitching staff which is once again expected to carry the team in 2012.

When the rest of the squad reports to spring training on February 23, Posey and company will welcome two new faces in Melky Cabrera and the aforementioned Angel Pagan, both of whom were acquired via trade during the off-season in hopes of giving the Giants the shot in the arm they so desperately need on offense. Another addition will be in infielder Ryan Theriot who serves as a base running threat and was signed as a free-agent after helping the Cardinals claim their NL best -- 11th World Series title last season. San Francisco's lone addition in the pitching department will be Clay Hensley who recently pitched for the Marlins and has some history with Giants skipper Bruce Bochy who Hensley served for both in the rotation and in the bullpen while with the Padres. Look to get your first glimpse of this newly constructed Giants offense in action on March 3rd when they host the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks at 12:05 p.m. @ Scottsdale Stadium.