Bustin’ Out: Buster Posey
It’s great when things work out as planned. The San Francisco Giants management no doubt has its collective fingers crossed that catching prospect Buster Posey’s promotion from high-A to triple-A goes smoothly. If it does, the organization can bid farewell to incumbent MLB catcher Bengie Molina, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2009 season. The changing of the guard could save the club about $5.5 million per year, at least until Posey hits arbitration.
The club’s first-round selection (fifth overall) from the 2008 draft out of Florida State University, Posey was originally a high school shortstop, who moved behind the dish in his sophomore season of college. The right-handed hitter took to the position immediately and is well on his way to becoming an above-average backstop and future Gold Glove candidate. Despite having a few rough edges behind the plate, Posey has made just four errors in his pro career (70 games) and he’s thrown out 47% of the runners attempting to steal against him. He’s also made huge strides in his game calling and receiving.
At the plate, the Georgia native swings a potent bat. Prior to his promotion, Posey was hitting .326/.428/.540 with 13 homers in 291 at-bats. He also had as many walks as strikeouts (45) and was perfect running the bases (six steals in as many attempts). Posey was hitting .280 against right-handed pitchers and .440 versus southpaws. He hit more than .357 in each month except May, when he slumped to a line of .245/.319/.382.
Posey’s promotion to triple-A was actually supposed to have happened a few weeks ago but a mild concussion slowed the transaction. After he hit .405 with 10 RBI in the previous 10 games, though, the Giants organization pulled the trigger. The 22-year-old backstop appeared in just 10 games in 2008 after signing his $6.2 million contract, which makes his quick ascent through the minors in 2009 all the more impressive.
Molina has been a solid and consistent performer at the plate and behind the dish for the Giants over the past three seasons. However, he’s turning 35 next week and his body type does not age well. If he’s open to the suggestion, the Giants could bring him back on a one-year deal to serve as Posey’s mentor.
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Two straight posts on the Giants and not one mention of Sandoval? How dare you.
It’s a real shot in the arm to not hear about Sandoval.
Wait, is Bonds back?
We love our panda, but we also love us some Posey and (especially) some Lincecum, so I think it’s alright to snub the Panda this time. :)
Always scares me a little when a young kid bypasses a level. Hope he doesn’t get overwhelmed by how much better the triple A players are than single A.
I immediately think of Delmon Young when I think of guys rushed through the system.
Delmon Young- Drafted straight out of high school, temper and character problems, rushed through system
Buster Posey- Drafter after 3 years of D1 baseball and winning every national award, no questions at all, progressing because he is murdering the league.
Different.
I just don’t understand the reasoning behind skipping AA. I believe the Giants AA manager is the one that was supposed to groom Posey as a C, too, so I really just don’t get it.
The Giants AA affiliate in Norwich plays in a tremendous pitcher’s park. For hitters, at least, the difference in difficulty between AA and AAA probably isn’t as great for the Giants as for ost other teams.
I don’t understand why the Giants don’t have Sandoval pitching and catching for himself?
He is surely fast enough to beat the pitch back to the plate and then he would get to bat twice in the order.
you stupid giants fan think sandoval is the best player ever
Scott Podsednik’s awesome factor is higher than anyone else.
IMPACT BABY, NO COMPILING.
See what I did there, I Heyman’d it up so now if you argue against me, I can just call you a nerd that hates baseball.
Given the dearth of home-grown position player talent by the Giants in recent (and not to recent) memory, you might want to give them a break for a guy who has a WAR of 3.1 and is out pacing guys like David Wright.
Plus I’m pretty sure Giants fans know what “the best player ever” actually looks like.
honestly, there may still be some ambiguity here with two “best players ever” from which to choose….
Yeah it’s Ken Griffey Jr. everyone knows that.
Don’t tell Griffey, he might start acting like it.
Skipping AA is not a problem considering the PCL is possibly the most hitter-friendly leagues in all of the minors. It’ll be interesting to see how Buster does now.
Isn’t everyone outpacing David Wright this year? I don’t think he’s a fan of Citi’s architects.
Yeah what is he thinking, being on pace for 5 WAR, 3rd among NL 3B, gosh.
Got to love the HR/RBI goggles.
Andre Dawson: 438 HR, 1591 RBI
Pete Rose: 160 HR, 1314 RBI
Therefore, Dawson > Rose
Except not do much
Congrats to Buster! I knew he would work his way up fast! He is the most dedicated player I have ever seen. We are so proud of you here in Lee County!