It sure didn't take long for the first bombshell of the Hot Stove League to detonate. Word broke today that Buster Posey will announce his retirement from baseball tomorrow. Wow! I probably should have seen that coming but most definitely did not. It is hard to express in words how much Buster Posey meant to the team and to the fans over the past 12 years. He, more than anyone else, was the heart and soul of the three championship teams. I well remember the euphoria of him coming up in the middle of the 2010 season then leading the way to the championship. I remember the total devastation early in 2011 of watching his career nearly end on a play that was so horrific, a whole new rule protecting catchers from intentional collisions by baserunners was introduced. Then there was the comeback in 2012 culminating in another championship and the NL MVP. That was the pinnacle but the dropoff was not dramatic as Buster turned in one 7 fWAR season after another until an arthritic hip that required surgery robbed him of his base at the plate. Who knows what Buster feels in that hip now? After what he's been through, I understand why he sees his 2021 season as his best chance to go out on his own terms and on top.
So, what comes next? FZ may have tipped his hand when he declared in his postseason press conference Joey Bart is now ready. Mike Krukow begs to differ but if FZ thinks so and Bart is the catcher of the future and worthy of his #2 overall draft pick pedigree, then it's time to make that commitment and see what he can do. It's my guess Bart will face some bumpy roads. Trying to fill Buster's shoes may prove to be as tough as it was for guys trying to play CF after Willie Mays.
I agree with your words on Buster's place in SF Giant lore as a key player in the WS years. This last year was even more enjoyable to see him come back and put together such an exceptional year. His hitting, catching throwing out runners-it was all there. Coming off the pandemic shortened year and winning 107 games-this was my favorite season and much of it had to do with watching Buster Posey. I honor his decision to leave while on top of his game and give his time to his family.
ReplyDeleteIt was going to be All but Impossible for the Giants to repeat 2021 — 107 wins with the loss of 4/5 of the pitching staff and BB9? — without their most inspirational and aspirational team leader, 90 wins will be difficult enough in 2022.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Farhan: you have King-sized task ahead, but you do have an extra $22M to help. In fact, the Giants have one of the lowest Total Value of Guaranteed Contracts in all baseball-land for 2022.
We all will miss you, Buster.
Buster has been a huge blessing to the Giants and to Giants fans. I suppose non of us should be surprised that Buster has gone out on his own terms.
ReplyDeleteThat leaves a big hole on the middle of the order, and I have to believe all of that $22 million will go towards a middle of the order bat. Was is just a coincidence that Castellanos opted out of his contract on the same day?
I recall watching a younger Gerald Posey playing for the San Jose Giants as they played at Visalia Recreational Park in 2009 and calling out to the $6 million bonus baby. In reviewing the picks that year, he was clearly the class of the draft, with Gerrit Cole, picked 28th by the Yankees, the only competition for the top spot. Of course, Brandon Crawford, picked in the 4th round that year, has been pretty darn good also. We expected him to be good, but who would have foreseen 3 WS championships. While I am a bit irritated that he is retiring, he of course, deserves the ability to commit time to his family and leave the game on a high note. Thank you Buster for all the fond memories - you will certainly be missed. APGiantsfan
ReplyDeleteI am going to miss Buster but I’m glad he was able to retire a Giant and hopefully play a leadership role within the organization in the future. I am forever thankful for the memories and amazing moments he and the Giants have brought us as a family these past 12 years.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that Buster is going out on his terms and retiring a Giant. It will be special when he's inducted to the HOF. So glad to be able to follow the career of a SF Giants all time great: Buster Posey. I've always been impressed by how Buster answers questions reporters ask him, his answers are usually thoughtful and insightful, as he showed in today's news conference. Thank you Buster for all the great moments you provided!
ReplyDeleteMaybe in the next few years things 'don't turn out' maybe Buster can try his hand at managing. Hopefully present day management can carry us to the next pinnacle of success.
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