For much of the season, it appeared the Giants were willing to leave Buster Posey in the minors for the duration of the 2009 season. After all, they have Bengie Molina on the major league roster and Posey is only 22 years-old. It would appear there has been a change of plans, possibly motivated by Molina's quadriceps issues of late. As reported earlier today by Jim Henry of FanHouse, Posey has been beckoned and will suit up for Wednesday's game against the Phillies. Molina has been unable to start since August 24. The uninspiring Eli Whiteside has been getting the starts in the meantime, but Posey's presence is added insurance.
In fact, considering Molina is a free agent after the season, Posey has a shot to earn the starting job for next season during this month. I recall a similar situation in Chicago two years ago. Geovany Soto was coming off a stellar offensive season in Triple-A and continued his hot hitting in September for the big-league Cubs. He even hit a home run in the Cubs' dismal playoff showing. In 2008, he won the NL Rookie of the Year.
Sure, there are differences between the two. Soto was several years older than Posey is. Of course, Posey has a lot more offensive talent.
The Giants' 2008 first-round pick was one of college baseball's biggest stars at Florida State, earning the Golden Spikes Award.
In two minor league stops this season, Posey had consistent success. His combined numbers were .325 with 18 home runs, 80 RBI, 31 doubles and a sparkling .947 OPS. He even stole 6 bases without ever getting thrown out. He made the jump from Class A-Advanced directly to Triple-A several weeks ago, and played 35 games in Fresno (the Giants Triple-A affiliate). In those 35 games, he hit .321 with a .902 OPS while driving home 22 runs.
Of course, the question is going to be playing time. The Giants are right in the thick of the pennant race, and they don't have time to allow a rookie to acclimate himself to the bigs. That being said, Whiteside is a pretty terrible hitter (.576 OPS). Posey's a good enough receiver behind the plate to hold his own, too, so it's not like they'd lose a bunch defensively. If Molina continues to have issues with his legs, it can't hurt the Giants to see what they have in Posey.
For now, from a fantasy perspective, it's a wait-and-see approach with Posey in most leagues. He should have already been owned in all dynasty leagues, and now would be a good time to take a look in larger keeper leagues. I'd grab him in two-catcher NL-Only leagues if you currently have a scrub at your second slot.
It's always exciting to see a promising prospect like Posey get the call. Let's hope he's initially more Soto than Matt Wieters, but a bad start doesn't change the fact that there is a future star suiting up.
