Saturday, September 05, 2009
Giants call up Posey
Posted by Alex PediciniThe fifth overall pick in 2008 San Francisco's Buster Posey has already earned a September call up. Posey has received less hype than rookie catcher Matt Wieters but his arrival likely means the beginning of a new era in San Francisco. His offensive prowess should easily replace Bengie Molina's career .307 on-base percentage.
In parts of two minor league seasons Posey has roughly one full season's worth of at bats between four different levels. His combined numbers are eye popping, .327/.421/.538. He has nearly as many walks (70) and strikeouts (72) in his minor league career.
This year Posey started out in Advanced-A before skipping ahead to Triple-A where he has yet to miss a beat. Through 35 Triple-A games he was hitting .321/.391/.511.
Posey's hitting approach is highly advanced and his plate discipline is a plus. He projects to hit for a solid average (around .300) and decent power (15-20 home runs) in the major leagues.
His defense has also been surprisingly adept as he has developed quickly since being taken in the draft. He has thrown out 40 of 89 base stealers good for a 45 percent caught stealing rate. Posey is also athletic behind the plate. He originally enrolled at Florida State as a shortstop before converting to catcher.
At 22-years old the Giants may be keep him in the minors to begin the season next year to delay his service time similar to what the Orioles did with Wieters this year. Regardless, it's clear that Posey is the future for San Francisco.
Alex is a student in Boston. He welcomes all questions and comments here