Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Giants contemplate Posey's positional future
Share This Post
Comments
Friday, August 22, 2014 - 3:30pm
Follow @csnbaggs

Programming note: Giants-Nationals coverage starts today at 3:30 p.m. with Giants Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area

WASHINGTON – The Giants didn’t arrive at their hotel until after 5 a.m. Friday, and Buster Posey had caught 14 innings the previous day at Wrigley Field. 

So Giants manager Bruce Bochy called Buster Posey into his office to make sure he’d be all right to catch the series opener with the Washington Nationals.

“He wants to go, he feels good, and you know what, he was squatting when he was in here talking,” Bochy said.

Bochy and the Giants recognize how much better Posey’s offensive numbers are as a first baseman this season, and the manager acknowledges it probably isn’t a coincidence. Still, Bochy said there have been no thoughts or discussions about pulling Posey out of the squat in 2015.

If they did, though, he’d play first base – not third.

“Down the road, I’m sure it’s something we’ll talk about,” said Bochy, who is encouraged by Andrew Susac’s development and felt the same way about Hector Sanchez before a series of concussions. 

[RELATED: Giants still hoping to have Belt, Sanchez in September]

“It could lighten the load on Buster at some point down the road. Whether at some point he will get out from behind the plate, I can’t answer that. Right now it’s not discussed but I will say it’s always nice to have options. It’s a beautiful thing to have that option and put someone down there, whether it’s Susac or Sanchez, who we know can handle the staff.”

Posey is batting .385/.435/.526 in 22 games as a first baseman and .265/.324/.425 in 88 games as a catcher. He had to take Wednesday off to receive treatment after his right hip tightened up, an injury that has caused Bochy to rest him at least two other times this season. He has an occasional back issue as well.

[REWIND: Posey overcomes hip, Bumgarner reaches back]

The hips are a direct result of catching, Bochy acknowledged, saying Posey’s hips aren’t as loose as someone who has spent his entire baseball career as a catcher. Posey converted from the infield while at Florida State.

“I think he gets a little nervous watching me walk, like that’s the way he’ll be walking,” Bochy said.

Although the Giants need a Plan B if they cannot re-sign third baseman Pablo Sandoval, and Posey has the requisite arm strength, hands and reaction skills to handle the hot corner, Bochy said he’d sooner put Posey at first base whenever he would shift out from behind the plate.

Bochy acknowledged he isn’t surprised the hitting numbers are so much better when Posey plays first base.

“It’s easier on the body playing first base,” Bochy said. “There’s a lot of activity at first base and you can’t drift mentally, but it is easier. … It makes sense that he probably should hit a little bit more.”

As for third base, Bochy said, “His hands, his arm, everything would work. But it would take a lot of work.”

In the meantime, Posey lifted his numbers as a catcher when he went 4 for 4 with two doubles, a homer and a walk in Thursday’s 5-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Earlier in the week, Giants hitting coach Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens encouraged Posey to be more aggressive early in the count, informing him that he was hitting .488 when putting the first or second pitch into play.

[RECAP: Posey, Bumgarner power Giants past Cubs]

Although Posey is an excellent two-strike hitter and his average is well above the league baseline, it’s still .192 when a count gets to two strikes. What really sold Posey, Meulens said, was when he informed him he was hitting just .250 on a 3-1 count.

“That’s supposed to be a hitter’s count,” Meulens said. “But when he’s doing damage, he’s doing it early. Pitchers know he’s going to take. They’re not really pitching around him.”

Meulens said it’s evident to him when Posey’s sore hips are affecting his swing.

“He tells me when he feels something, but he doesn’t have to,” Meulens said. “He stops rotating through the zone. Even on his takes, you see him coming off and lifting up. So to see him feeling good, take swings like he did (Thursday), is a great sign for us.”

Meulens began working with Posey two weeks before pitchers and catchers reported to Arizona this spring. The 2012 NL MVP was determined to start the year locked in after an unproductive second half in 2013.

“He wanted to be better than he was in 2012, but with the injuries, it’s not happening,” Meulens said. “All I want to get out of him is to be Buster these last 30-something games. We need him.”

 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Kruk and Kuip: Mechanical woes continue to plague Lincecum
Toe the Rubber: C.J. Wilson vs. Jon Lester
Fuld fed off energy from 'electric' crowd
Doolittle: 'That was a really important win to nail down'

Giants

Rewind: Lincecum's latest slip-up might send him to bullpen
Instant Replay: Nats knock Lincecum early, Giants fall 6-2
Source: Giants made strong push for Rusney Castillo
No eye rolls over Panik's first-round selection now
Read More

Athletics

LIVE: Angels vs. A's
A's notes: Parrino relishing chance to gain experience
A's might alter rotation again for Round 2 vs. Angels
Machado set for surgery, says he has 'abnormal knees'
Read More

Sharks

Robinson on Sharks: 'Waiting for somebody to take charge'
Sharks now must solve dressing room problem
Sharks' Torres out long-term again
Thornton no longer Sharks captain
Read More

49ers

Seahawks serious about expanding S Thomas' role
49ers Mailbag: Is outside help available at backup QB?
Ten 49ers to watch vs. Chargers
What is taking Goodell so long with Smith decision?
Read More

Raiders

Raiders examining options at cornerback
Injury notes: Raiders rule out serious injury for Sio Moore
Packers defeat Raiders, but lose Raji for season
Allen: Raiders passing problems 'not about one individual'
Read More

Warriors

Love traded to Cavaliers, joins LeBron
Final 12-man Team USA roster has local flavor
Curry leads USA past Puerto Rico in 112-86 exhibition win
Friday Five: Warriors' five best players since 1988
Read More

NCAA

Joe Mixon: A star dims in an instant
College football's 25 most intriguing games of 2014
Stanford just outside Top 10 in AP Preseason Poll
DeRuyter among six football coaches on the rise
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly
  • Amy G
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Lincecum's latest slip-up might send him to bullpen
Andrew Baggarly

More Stories

Instant Replay: Nats knock Lincecum early, Giants fall 6-2
(13)
Source: Giants made strong push for Rusney Castillo
(2)
See more >

More Stories

No eye rolls over Panik's first-round selection now
Nationals call up former Giant Nate Schierholtz
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Kruk and Kuip: Mechanical woes continue to plague Lincecum
Kruk and Kuip: Mechanical woes continue to plague Lincecum
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Instant Replay: Nats knock Lincecum early, Giants fall 6-2
  • Source: Giants made strong push for Rusney Castillo
  • No eye rolls over Panik's first-round selection now
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: Angels vs. A's
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

A's notes: Parrino relishing chance to gain experience
A's might alter rotation again for Round 2 vs. Angels
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Machado set for surgery, says he has 'abnormal knees'
A's lineup: Melvin doesn't make any changes
See more >

A's VIDEO

Toe the Rubber: C.J. Wilson vs. Jon Lester
Toe the Rubber: C.J. Wilson vs. Jon Lester
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • A's notes: Parrino relishing chance to gain experience
  • A's might alter rotation again for Round 2 vs. Angels
  • Rewind: A's deliver performance worth repeating
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Robinson on Sharks: 'Waiting for somebody to take charge'
ProHockeyTalk

More Stories

Sharks now must solve dressing room problem
(40)
Sharks' Torres out long-term again
(4)
See more >

More Stories

Thornton no longer Sharks captain
(63)
Islanders' owner Wang sells stake of team
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

YSTL: Sharks make statement by removing Thornton as captain
YSTL: Sharks make statement by removing Thornton as captain
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Sharks now must solve dressing room problem
  • Sharks' Torres out long-term again
  • Thornton no longer Sharks captain
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Love traded to Cavaliers, joins LeBron
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Final 12-man Team USA roster has local flavor
(4)
Curry leads USA past Puerto Rico in 112-86 exhibition win
(1)
See more >

more stories

Friday Five: Warriors' five best players since 1988
(7)
Curry: Timing made Jackson's dismissal 'hard to deal with'
(3)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

YSTL: Curry taking charge of Team USA
YSTL: Curry taking charge of Team USA
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Friday Five: Warriors' five best players since 1988
  • Monte Poole's Warriors chat transcript (8.22.14)
  • Joe Mixon: A star dims in an instant
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Final 12-man Team USA roster has local flavor
Associated Press

More Stories

Team USA's Rose says he'll play Friday vs. Puerto Rico
(2)
USA routs Dominicans 105-62 in exhibition as Rose rests
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Report: Cousins returns to practice, 50-50 to play Wednesday
(2)
Report: Marion to sign with Cavaliers
(1)
See more >

Kings Video

Spears: Cousins' status for Team USA in doubt after injury
Spears: Cousins' status for Team USA in doubt after injury
See more >

Fantasy Hoops

  • Fantasy news, analysis, draft guide, cheatsheets, projections & more
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Seahawks serious about expanding S Thomas' role
ProFootballTalk

More Stories

Ten 49ers to watch vs. Chargers
(1)
49ers Mailbag: Is outside help available at backup QB?
(21)
See more >

More stories

What is taking Goodell so long with Smith decision?
(40)
Wilson, Seahawks use big first half to rout Bears
(6)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

YSTL: Joe Staley excited for Kaepernick's development
YSTL: Joe Staley excited for Kaepernick's development
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers Mailbag: Is outside help available at backup QB?
  • Ten 49ers to watch vs. Chargers
  • What is taking Goodell so long with Smith decision?
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders examining options at cornerback
Scott Bair

More Stories

Injury notes: Raiders rule out serious injury for Sio Moore
(1)
Packers defeat Raiders, but lose Raji for season
(2)
See more >

More Stories

Allen: Raiders passing problems 'not about one individual'
(43)
Raiders RB Sheets says he's out for season
(9)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: Raiders banged up in game vs. Packers
YSTL: Raiders banged up in game vs. Packers
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders examining options at cornerback
  • Injury notes: Raiders rule out serious injury for Sio Moore
  • Allen: Raiders passing problems 'not about one individual'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes, Sounders finish in 1-1 draw
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Quakes midfielder Perez Garcia has surgery on right knee
Suarez seeks 'fresh start' with Barcelona
See more >

Quakes Video

Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Rewind: Lincecum's latest slip-up might send him to bullpen
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Friday Five: Warriors' five best players since 1988
(7)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Ten 49ers to watch vs. Chargers
(1)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders examining options at cornerback
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks now must solve dressing room problem
(40)
See more >

JOE STIGLICH

A's notes: Parrino relishing chance to gain experience
See more >

RAY RATTO

49ers replace sod at new stadium because, well, it stinks

TOP STORIES

  • A's notes: Parrino relishing chance to gain experience
  • A's might alter rotation again for Round 2 vs. Angels
  • Machado set for surgery, says he has 'abnormal knees'

SAY HEY TUESDAY

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

NCAA

DeRuyter among six football coaches on the rise
Arizona State lineman reveals he's gay

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Kruk and Kuip: Mechanical woes continue to plague Lincecum
Kruk and Kuip: Mechanical woes continue to plague Lincecum
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California