"Guzman has virtually no chance at making the starting lineup..."

Key part:

Not only has he looked inadequate defensively at first base and third base and in left field, but he also has played only 15 games above the Double-A level.

(emphasis mine)

And he’s “already” 25.

Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all

If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.

by baetown415 on Mar 25, 2009 12:49 AM PDT reply actions

"Guzman has virtually no chance of making the Opening Day roster"

Nothing controversial about claiming he won’t make the starting lineup—not on the roster slightly more debatable, though likely accurate. Might as well wait for one of the question marks (Ishi, 2nd base) to fail before taking a chance on an unproven but exciting bat with none leather.

Time in Fresno to learn a position (apparently 1b) is probably a good idea, too.

by thethrillisgone on Mar 25, 2009 7:03 AM PDT reply actions

Time in Fresno is probably the best thing for him, but it’ll be very tempting to keep that bat on the big team.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Mar 25, 2009 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Also of note...

… was Haft’s next piece down, where he discusses a Lincecum and Posey battery.
“Lincecum related that Posey, who didn’t call pitches in college, understandably struggled with this task.”

This might put a damper on Posey being seen in the majors this year, or even next.

Proud supporter of the Fightin' Hydrants.

by Little Napoleon on Mar 25, 2009 7:44 AM PDT reply actions

His college coaches constantly praised him for his intelligence. I’m not too worried that he won’t be able to learn fairly quickly. Definitely don’t think he’ll be making an appearance in the majors this year, though

Wall-E for Best Picture 2008

by Useful_Idiot on Mar 25, 2009 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions

One of the relief pitchers was praising Posey’s ability to catch on to pitch sequences in an Extra Baggs column, so it’s probably just having to learn each pitcher.

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Mar 25, 2009 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions

And getting over the intimidation factor of calling pitches for the 08 Cy Young winner

Wall-E for Best Picture 2008

by Useful_Idiot on Mar 25, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

As Tim was recently in the same shoes as Gerald, Tim probably doesn’t come across as intimidating, though Posey may do it to himself since calling a game is relatively new to him. And response to your comment above, I don’t believe calling a good game is easier (so much) if you’re smart but if you have practice doing it and becoming accustomed to your pitchers individual tendencies (and obviously the oppositions as well). As a person who never called a game in my lifetime it’s pretty tough for me to think that the art of pitch sequence calling is something you can learn fairly quickly.
Do I want him to be a great game-caller? Yes. But I think it will take time and many innings of practice.

Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Wronghander Affeldt

by Giant among Angels on Mar 25, 2009 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions

It will definitely take time, but player’s who are better at analyzing on-field situations, anticipating outcomes, and adapting on the fly are likely going to learn quicker.

Wall-E for Best Picture 2008

by Useful_Idiot on Mar 26, 2009 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Catchers weren’t asked to call games in San Jose last season under Steve Decker, either. Of course it’ll be different with Andy Skeels managing there this season, but I think learning to call pitches is basically the only skill Posey needs to learn. Giving him a full season in the minors with or without calling pitches is fine by me.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Mar 25, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

He needs to call pitches. It is an art. He must do it. He will be able to do this.

No need to rush this kid. The best catcher today may well be Matt Wieters and he worked his way up quite rapidly but still have a full minor league season. The Orioles will probably try to get an extra season out of the kid and start his season in the minors. SF should take a similar path with Gerald Posey.

by wilriv21 on Mar 25, 2009 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Skeels is also a former catcher so maybe he’ll try the Decker approach in 2009. Tim Alderson mentioned that Decker was very hands-on with the battery last season.

I’m also willing to wait for Posey to be ready to step into the starting catcher position.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Mar 25, 2009 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions

yeah i think he will be fine. Pitch sequence isn’t all too hard. Besides, worst case scenario he goes back to SS or 3B or something.

by Giant Voodoo on Mar 25, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions

If by "worst," you mean "best."

Assuming it’s SS.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Mar 25, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Naw

“Worst” is if he ends up at 3B and the nwe have another Bill Mueller type over there for a few years. Posey’s best defensive attribute is an absolute cannon (I’m sure he has great footwork and hands too) and that plays well at 3rd. However, I think he would make a very capable, even all-star, SS if the Catcher thing ends up not workign out for some reason. As far as Catcher is concerned, hell might as well see if it sticks if he’s that athletic.

You got to love Posey. Even the thought of a guy moving from C to SS or 3B and still being a potential perrenial all-star at any of those positions is awesome and rare.

by Giant Voodoo on Mar 26, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions

BAD DEFENSE BIAS!

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Mar 25, 2009 8:21 AM PDT reply actions

YOU ONLY SAY THAT BECAUSE HE'S A DINOSAUR!

Baseball is a lot like life. The line drives are caught, the squibbles go for base hits. It's an unfair game. -Rod Kanehl

by j14 on Mar 25, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions

EXTINCTION BIAS!

Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?

by EliminateMe on Mar 25, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

So the Giants trail the Royals in home runs in the “Majors” during spring training so far. Where is that perspective machine?

co-dad of IshikaBOOM w/AfDC.
Ishikawa, let the boy hit against lefties.

by kennv on Mar 25, 2009 8:37 AM PDT reply actions

Should I be worried that it took only five innings for Matt Cain to throw 90 pitches?

My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.

by Kitspool on Mar 25, 2009 9:08 AM PDT reply actions

Not at all!

He’s in midseason form already!

Adoptive father to the All-Father. Does that make me the All-Grandfather?

by EliminateMe on Mar 25, 2009 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

He only needs to get through 6 anyway!

the rock solid bullpen always holds the lead for him!!!!!!!!!!!111

Fairley odd parent to Wendell

by WTF on Mar 25, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

[cue rxmeister rant on how Matt Cain sucks and is a disappointment]

by boonitez on Mar 25, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m not surprised.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Mar 25, 2009 10:59 AM PDT reply actions