Kuzul

Spring training is almost here.

The sights and sounds of baseball are soon to come, and the Giants are prepared to defend their title with much of the same formula as 2010.  Pablo Sandoval, however, was not a part of the 2010 formula.  To say 2010 was a “disappointment” for Sandoval is an understatement.

While the Giants defied the odds in the postseason, Sandoval was left looking from the bench during the World Series.  The Kung-Fu Panda knew he had none to blame but himself, and left Giants fans wondering if they would ever see the 2009 Sandoval who nearly led them to the playoffs.

Enter 2011.

After an offseason of intense conditioning, the Pablo is back looking sleeker than ever.  Sandoval refuses to disclose his total weight loss, but he looks noticeably trimmer in his twitter photos.

Could the Kung-Fu Panda be back to reinforce a lineup in need of reinforcing?  The Giants and their fans hope so.

If the Giants hope to successfully defend their title, Sandoval’s resurgence is a key component.  His resurgent bat would compliment Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey in the middle of the lineup:

Andres Torres, CF

Freddy Sanchez, 2B

Buster Posey, C

Aubrey Huff, 1B

Miguel Tejada, SS

Pablo Sandoval, 3B

Mark DeRosa, LF

Cody Ross, RF

Sandoval must work his way into the middle of the order before he can be projected to bat there given his dismal 2010.

If Sandoval does indeed reemerge in 2011, don’t expect to see his 2009 stats that consisted of a .330 average, 25 home runs, and 90 runs driven in.  It’s easy for a fan to expect those numbers when they hear “resurgence”.  Expecting such numbers given Sandoval’s 2010 season is simply unfair.

A .300 average, 15-20 home runs, and 75-85 runs driven in is more reasonable.  Even these numbers are a vast improvement over the 2010 Sandoval and Giants management would be thrilled to get such numbers.

The Giants also hope for a much more agile Sandoval defensively.  Sandoval’s defense was a major factor in his benching during the postseason; he was simply not making the plays he was supposed to make.  Panda’s defense also declined over the course of last season, further complicating matters.

If the Giants are to have any hope of defending their title against other National League powerhouses such as Philadelphia, Pablo Sandoval’s defensive and offensive resurgence would put them on that brink.

With his recent weight loss, the return of the Kung-Fu Panda seems more likely.

Expect to see just that in 2011.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Day One: 3-for-4, three RBI.

Day Two: 3-for-5, two doubles, one RBI.

Yes, Buster Posey’s phenomenal season debut has been nothing short of sensational. Heck, I’ve already heard Giants brass refer to Posey as “the Savior” or “the Messiah.”

But who could really blame them?

Following a 1-6 road trip that included a five-game losing streak, the Giants were in dire need of offense. They combined to score one run in the entire series versus the Oakland A’s. The last time the Giants were held to one run in a three-game series dates back to their days in New York.

Sure, the Giants needed some pop. In their desperation, they experimented with different lineups and even sent Aubrey Huff to left field to make room in the infield.

Now they’ve finally answered the outcry of Giants fans, and Buster Posey has arrived in a big way. In two games, he’s helped paced the Giants to two wins and captured the attention of the Bay.

Posey has been the messiah.

With his two-game performance, it’s only natural to expect more of Posey.

The problem is, it’s only been two games—and Posey is only a rookie, not Joe Mauer.

Sky-high expectations of Posey are simply unfair.

Despite 17 at-bats last year, Posey is a rookie. Expecting too much of a rookie is unwise, considering adjustment to the big leagues is crucial in their quest to become regulars. However, Posey can take solace in playing in San Francisco as compared to the media giants of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.

Posey has already stated the high expectations do not affect him. Unfortunately, fans often forget ballplayers have feelings. I find it hard to believe Posey has simply dodged the high expectations.

More so, the Giants’ offensive woes have prompted fans to embrace anyone who gives the team even the slightest boost (a la Andres Torres). Unfortunately, Posey is not the bat fans have long awaited.

Unless the Giants trade for a bat such as Prince Fielder, it’s going to take a multitude of quality bats to solve the Giants’ offensive puzzle.

Posey is only a piece of this puzzle, not the final piece.

As far as his season debut, it’s obvious he’s not going to hit over .700 forever. Heck, nowadays even hitting over .400 is unrealistic. He’s simply on fire, plain and simple.

What Giants fans can look forward to, however, is his on-base percentage, which hovered well over .400 in the minor leagues. In a lineup of free-swinging Giants, Posey will be welcomed. Again, though, he probably isn’t capable of singlehandedly transforming the team.

The best way I can sum it all up is like this: Put yourself in the shoes of Buster Posey. All these expectations and names are put on you, and you are expected to produce day in and day out as a rookie. You are one person, not the whole team. Is it possible to save an entire lineup by yourself?

This is what Buster Posey is faced with. An anemic offense combined with a desperate fanbase has created unfair and unrealistic expectations of…a rookie.

Don’t be mistaken—Posey has Joe Mauer potential (with less power). But a little bit of space and time to grow will allow Posey to earn the title of “The Messiah.”

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com