News: Giants catcher Buster Posey homered for the second straight game and produced three RBI as well in consecutive games on Tuesday against the Brewers. Posey now has an RBI in six straight games. He's batting .367 (11 for 30) with two homers, three doubles and 11 RBI in his last eight games.
Analysis: Posey began May by hitting .167 in his first 11 games this month. It's easy to see he's put that cold streak behind him by racking up the RBI in his last eight games. This is why you keep Posey active in all Fantasy formats. He can get hot as quickly as he goes cold.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey had his third three-hit game of the season Wednesday against the Cardinals. He had a double and one RBI in the contest. Unfortunately, after hitting .353 in April, Posey has slumped to .222 (12 for 54) in 14 May games. His season batting average is .295.
Analysis: Posey is looking for balance in his game right now. He's crushing the ball at home, with a .333 average and .808 OPS in 17 games. Unfortunately, he's batting .254 with a .774 OPS in 16 road games. Posey should iron out his road problems eventually, so stick with him. He has started three straight games since getting Sunday off because his surgically-repaired leg was feeling "cranky."
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey's surgically-repaired leg is feeling "a little cranky," according to manager Bruce Bochy, reports CSN Bay Area on Sunday. Posey sat out Sunday's series finale at Arizona but Bochy did not seem overly concerned about the issue. "He needed the rest," Bochy said. "I could see he needed the rest; I was planning on it."
Analysis: Posey is apparently feeling relatively normal soreness and shouldn't miss much more time past Sunday's off day. Posey is currently mired in a 3-for-26 slump at the plate, but remains a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey collected a hit for the third straight contest in Sunday's series finale against the Brewers. He went 1 for 5 with a strikeout in the 4-3 win. Posey has gone 5 for 22 (.227) with two RBI through six games in May.
Analysis: Posey batted .353 with a .603 slugging percentage over the first month of the season but has not been hitting as prolifically since the calendar has turned to May. Still, he has four hits in his last three games and could be on the verge of turning things around. The Giants have been giving him breathers at first base in order not to wear down the 25-year-old and he has shown no signs of the ankle injury that cost him most of last season. Posey still has a ton of room to grow in Fantasy so continue to view him as a must-start option in all formats.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey finished 1 for 3 with a double and a walk during the Giants' 4-1 victory over San Diego on Sunday. Posey, who has tallied three doubles in his past five games, is boasting a stellar .353 batting average -- fourth best in the National League. He also received his fourth start at first base this season while Hector Sanchez served as catcher. "I still say I want to be behind the plate," Posey told the San Francisco Chronicle. "But also, I'm not opposed to going over there (first base) when the right time presents itself."
Analysis: Apparently, there wasn't much to fret about regarding Posey's return from injury. Through the first month of the season, the 25-year-old has looked just as strong as his award-winning rookie campaign in 2010 and is hitting .400 (18 for 45) over his past 10 games. "I've been happy with the first month," Posey said. "My ankle's responded great. (I've) been out there as much or maybe more than I hoped for." Posey was already a must-start Fantasy option, but will add more value when he gains first-base eligibility following his fifth start.
News: San Fransisco catcher Buster Posey went 1 for 4 with a home run and a walk during the Giants' 6-1 victory over the Mets in the first game of a twinbill on Monday. Posey slugged his second homer of the season -- a solo shot -- off New York starter Miguel Batista in the first inning. It was the first time he's gone deep since the third game of the season. He has now homered in each of his at-bats during his career against Batista.
Analysis: Posey's shot would have cleared the old fences at Citi Field as he showcased the power that helped win claim the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year award. The 25-year-old has also proved he is fine after having the back of his ankle clipped in Saturday's game against the Mets during a play at the plate. Posey is now riding a six-game hitting streak to bump his average up to .375. Consider him a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News:Buster Posey didn't intend to cut it quite so close on his first stolen base since last year's devastating, season-ending leg injury. He made the call himself to go for it, and just barely pulled it off. Posey also produced a second straight three-hit game, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 on Tuesday night. Posey's successful steal allowed the Giants to check off yet another milestone in his return after last year's season-ending left leg and ankle injury from a collision at the plate with the Marlins' Scott Cousins. "I think he surprised all of us," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He knows if they forget about him, he can go. I think he thought he was moving faster than he was on that stolen base. He made a nice slide to avoid the tag."
Analysis: Posey had back-to-back three-hit games for the first time since May 29-30, 2010, against Arizona during his NL Rookie of the Year season. Those were his first two games after getting promoted to the majors. He's batting .375 through nine games and is already back to being the high-end Fantasy option he was before getting hurt. One stolen base might not seem overly significant, but the fact Posey is having the confidence to push himself is only good news.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey posted three hits in four at-bats during the Giants' 5-2 loss to Philadelphia on Monday night. Posey collected three singles for his third multihit outing of the young season and raise his batting average to .321. He has also whiffed in four consecutive games and has amassed seven strikeouts in eight outings.
Analysis: Many onlookers were expecting Posey to instantly return to his standout form after coming back from severe ankle and leg injuries that curtailed his 2011 campaign. But the 25-year-old continues to build strength and is also working past a bout with shingles that forced him to miss playing time last week. Posey has just one homer and three RBI, but Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a top-tier option in all formats.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey returned to the starting lineup Thursday against the Rockies after not starting Wednesday due to shingles. He did appear as a pinch hitter. Posey went 1 for 4 with a strikeout in Thursday's outing. The Giants would hold on for the 4-2 win.
Analysis: Posey hasn't suffered a setback with his surgically-repaired ankle, which is more newsworthy than a case of the shingles. Posey progressed well this spring and is off to a nice start this season. It seems he's back on track to being a reliable Fantasy option. Keep Posey active in all Fantasy formats.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey was given Wednesday in Colorado off as he's dealing with shingles, reports CSN Bay Area. Posey came down with the shingles following Sunday's game. They are painful blisters that make it hard for him to sleep. Posey hopes to start on Thursday. The catcher was called upon to pinch-hit in Wednesday's wild 17-8 loss, but did not get on base.
Analysis: Posey went 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBI in his last game Sunday at Arizona. He took Monday off, obviously dealing the shingles at that time, but didn't report the injury. Posey is a must-start Fantasy option, when healthy. He shouldn't miss much more time, especially as he was able to pinch-hit against the Rockies.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey finished 2 for 4 with a home run and a walk during the Giants' 7-6 loss to Arizona on Sunday. Posey, hitting out of the cleanup spot, went deep for the first time this season off Josh Collmenter in the third inning for a two-run blast.
Analysis: Posey, the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year, continues to move past the devastating leg injury he suffered last season and homered for the first time since last April 24. The 25-year-old remains one of the top-hitting catchers in the majors and should be able to threaten 20 homers as long as he stays healthy. Fantasy owners should keep him entrenched as a must-start in all formats.
News: After missing most of last season due to a season-ending leg injury following a collision at home plate, Giants catcher Buster Posey returned in Friday's season opener against the Diamondbacks. He went 2 for 4 with a walk in the 5-4 loss. "Buster looked fine," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He is not showing any ill effects of what happened, so that is behind us." Posey said he "felt normal" and has also put the injury behind him.
Analysis: Posey was able to catch all nine innings on Friday and proved during spring training that he is fully recovered from the injury. While the Giants will give him some starts at first base throughout the year, owners should not worry too much about him. Posey is one of the more valuable catchers in Fantasy and should be considered a must-start option going forward.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey was listed as the cleanup hitter in the batting order for Friday's season-opening game at Arizona. It will be Posey's first game action since last May after he suffered a season-ending leg injury following a collision at home plate. He will also start at catcher.
Analysis: Posey has made steady progress in his recovery from the serious injury and will make his long-awaited return to the Giants. The 25-year-old remained healthy throughout the spring and boasted a .325 batting average in Cactus League play. Fantasy owners should monitor his health in the first month of the season as he works his way back into his standing as a high-end catcher option in all Fantasy formats.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Giants catcher Buster Posey, who continues to work his way back from an ankle injury that ended his 2011 season early, is expected to catch 2 of 3 games against the A's in the Bay Bridge Series, which starts Monday. "I'm optimistic because I thought I made a lot of progress this spring," Posey said. "I think it's only going to get better and better. I think the training staff has done a great job managing it, when to push, when to hold back. I'm happy." The Giants are also optimistic about Posey returning to form. "We were optimistic he'd be fine," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We haven't had any hiccups with his rehab. (Trainer) Dave Groeschner did a terrific job with the rehab, and Buster came through all the stuff we put him through. I really think he's back to where he was."
Analysis: While Posey's ankle has held up this spring, it has allowed him to start getting back into a rhythm offensively. While he hasn't had the numbers he's posted in past springs, Posey is still hitting .306 with one homer, three doubles and four RBI in 14 spring games. He also has a .381 OBP and .853 OPS. If Posey is able to return to his pre-injury form, then he has the upside of being a high-end Fantasy catcher. He's likely to play some at first base this season to ease the burden of catching, but Fantasy owners should head into 2012 confident about Posey since he's managed to avoid any setbacks this spring.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey got his first start at first base on Saturday night against the Rockies. He went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI in the outing, a contest San Francisco would lose 7-6. Posey, who is returning from an ankle injury that ended his 2011 season. "He feels great," manager Bruce Bochy told the San Jose Mercury News. "He's coming out of these games with no issues. That's good news for us. He's getting more and more comfortable in all facets of the game."
Analysis: Posey has caught only 27 innings this spring for the Giants. While he was tested at first base on Saturday with a suicide squeeze play, Posey isn't at risk as much at first as he is behind the plate. That is why Bochy plans on using his young slugger at both positions in 2012. Fantasy owners should view Posey as a high-end catcher option, despite coming off this injury. Target him in the middle rounds of mixed leagues on Draft Day.
News: ESPN.com reports Giants catcher Buster Posey (leg, ankle) still feels some pain rounding the bases and making quick turns on that surgically-repaired ankle. That said, that is not considered a setback and is not a big concern at this time.
Analysis: Posey is not in danger of missing any time at the beginning of the year and he didn't tweak anything. He simply still feels something on quick turns when he runs. That is to be expected at this point. The Giants have slowly been getting him work behind the plate so keep an eye on his progress going forward. The 24-year-old is expected to see time at first base in 2012 in order to save his legs but since Posey has a ton of value at a thin position in Fantasy, target him in the middle rounds of mixed leagues on Draft Day.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey went hitless in his first five at-bats this spring but he was able to get on the board in Wednesday's game against the Indians. He went 1 for 4 with a home run while serving as DH in the 2-2 tie. He launched a solo shot off Tony Sipp in the sixth inning. “I thought I hit it pretty good,” he said. “I just wanted to hit the ball hard. That’s my goal every time—to hit the ball hard.”
Analysis: Posey continues to recover from his season-ending ankle injury a year ago but has not suffered any setbacks. The Giants have slowly been getting him work behind the plate so keep an eye on his progress going forward. The 24-year-old is expected to see time at first base in 2012 in order to save his legs but since Posey has a ton of value at a thin position in Fantasy, target him in the middle rounds of mixed leagues on Draft Day.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey went 0 for 2 during his second Cactus League game in the Giants' 7-5 win over Seattle on Sunday. Posey, the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year, was back behind the plate for the second time in three days as he continues to recover from a leg injury that was caused after a collision at home last season. He ran to first base and also made a couple of throws down to second base. “It’s nice just to kind of have some different situations,” Posey said. “As much as I went them (innings) to be 1-2-3, I think for my own sake it’s good to have a little bit longer innings and to test it a little bit.”
Analysis: Posey said throwing felt normal, and he expects to play four innings again Tuesday. His goal is to be ready for opening day. “Good day for him to go four innings, he looks like he’s over the hump,” San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. Posey has yet to record a hit this spring, but the main goal of his camp is feeling completely healthy for the regular season. He still possesses solid upside and should be targeted in the early middle rounds of all Fantasy drafts for the upcoming season.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey made his spring debut on Friday against the Reds. He went 0 for 1 while catching starter Matt Cain for two innings. It was his first time seeing game action since suffering a season-ending ankle injury last May. "It was fun," Posey said. "I've put in a lot of work. Even though it was only two innings, it was nice to be out there." Posey is expected to catch four innings on Sunday. Also, Saturday, Posey and the Giants agreed to terms on a one-year, $615,000 contract.
Analysis: The Giants have been taking the cautious approach with Posey thus far and will likely continue to in the early parts of camp. Getting behind the plate on Friday was a solid first step in him being 100 percent healthy for opening day so keep an eye on his progress going forward. The 24-year-old has proven to be a more-than-viable option in Fantasy when on the field and the position he plays makes Posey even more valuable. Barring a setback, consider Posey an early-round pick in mixed leagues on Draft Day.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports Giants catcher Buster Posey (ankle) is expected to catch two innings on Friday. Posey will run again Thursday, but he said he felt great after running the bases Tuesday. "I was really happy with the way it responded," Posey said of his injured ankle.
Analysis: The Giants have remained cautious with Posey, who has had plenty of recovery time since injuring his ankle early last season. However, the Giants have seen how long of a road back it has been for the Angels' Kendrys Morales, who is also coming off a major leg injury suffered in 2010, so they just want to avoid any setbacks with their star catcher. Unless Posey has a major setback, then continue to draft him as a No. 1 Fantasy catcher.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey tested his surgically repaired ankle again Tuesday and was able to run the bases. Posey estimated he increased his effort to roughly 60-70 percent on Tuesday. "It felt as good or better than yesterday," Posey told the San Jose Mercury News. "It was a significant improvement." Posey was limited to only 45 games last season following a collision at home plate with the Marlins' Scott Cousins.
Analysis: Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Posey could play in a Cactus League game by this weekend, but he will not rush the 24-year-old back too quickly -- regardless of his desire to take the field. "I'm definitely itching to get into a game, but there's still plenty of time," Posey said. "Since the start of spring training I've been able to do all baseball activities ... and everything has felt good. We've been lucky." Posey still remains one of the top hitting catchers in the majors and should be targeted in the middle rounds of all Fantasy drafts.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy told CSN Bay Area on Monday that catcher Buster Posey could be able to DH in a spring game by the weekend. Posey is recovering from a season-ending leg injury a year ago.
Analysis: The Giants are taking it easy on Posey this spring as they do not want him to suffer a setback. He has been able to take batting practice and do some running drills but he is not ready to get behind the plate in a game. Keep an eye on his progress going forward to see if he will be able to play over the weekend. Posey has the potential to be a solid option in Fantasy so target him in the early-to-middle rounds in mixed leagues on Draft Day.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com on Wednesday that Buster Posey will likely not be behind the plate for the team's first spring game on Saturday. Posey, who is recovering from a season-ending leg injury a year ago, could serve as a pinch-hitter in the contest. "He's likely not going to be catching," Bochy said.
Analysis: Posey has been able to take part in batting practice and some running drills so far this spring but the Giants are proceeding with caution with the 24-year-old. He will likely see some catching duties in exhibitions games going forward so keep an eye on his progress. Posey is expected to be ready by opening day so owners should not worry about his status for the regular season. He has proven to be an elite option in Fantasy -- especially at a thin position -- so target Posey in the early-to-middle rounds on Draft Day.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey (leg, ankle) hit live batting practice Sunday and caught with hitters in the batter’s box for the first time since his season-ending collision at the plate last May. The day marked another significant step for the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year, who has recovered from three torn ligaments in his left ankle and a broken bone in his lower leg. "That’s the most excited I’ve been to take live BP, ever,” Posey said. “It was fun. This is all about trying to get your timing right. I guess I didn’t really know what to expect. That’s the first arm I’ve seen since last May.”
Analysis: Posey took his cuts against Giants reliever Sergio Romo, who came away impressed with the 24-year-old's outing. "He went out there taking hacks. Right out of the gate he was swinging," Romo said. "It was good to see that. It was very uplifting to see that. A healthy Buster and his personality puts us through the roof.” Giants manager Bruce Bochy plans to decide in the next few days whether Posey will play in the team’s Cactus League opener Saturday against Arizona. Posey could still be a risky choice early in Fantasy drafts for 2012, but his upside presents a solid option in the middle rounds.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey made his highly anticipated return to the field in a formal setting Sunday after a season-ending leg injury last year. He practiced springing up to throw after catching the ball, showing no hesitation or signs that he had ever been seriously hurt. He also cleared the fences a couple of times in his first round of batting practice at Scottsdale Stadium during the first day for Giants pitchers and catchers. “It was special for me because I’ve put in a lot of work to get back to this point and this is just another step,” Posey said. “There’s still some work to do but I was very happy with today.”
Analysis: Posey, the 2010 National League Rookie of the Year, tore three ligaments in his left ankle and broke a bone in his lower leg in a frightening home-plate collision with Florida’s Scott Cousins on May 25. The Giants have a plan in place to limit Posey in his recover -- and he understands that. He will do all he can to avoid another injury that could derail his plan and force him to become a full-time first baseman. San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday it's possible Posey could play in the team's first Cactus League game March 3 against Arizona. Posey will still be a risky choice early in Fantasy drafts for 2012, but his upside presents a solid option in the middle rounds. Don't forget about him.
News: CSNBayArea.com reports that Giants catcher Buster Posey could start at catcher for the team's exhibition season opener on March 3 against the Diamondbacks. However, manager Bruce Bochy indicated that his overall plan is to use Posey sparingly during the first week of Cactus League action, and he is unlikely to catch on consecutive days initially. Posey is still recovering from severe ankle and leg injuries sustained in a violent home plate collision last May.
Analysis: Posey is expected to be ready to take on the rigors of being the Giants' regular catcher this year, but first he will have to prove that he is physically ready to handle the workload this spring. He will play first base on occasion to spare him the wear and tear of catching, but until Posey shows that he is ready to catch on a fairly regular basis, he will be a risky choice early in Fantasy drafts. He still presents enough upside to be worth a gamble by the fifth round of mixed league drafts.
News: According to the Oakland Tribune, Giants catcher Buster Posey said he's uncertain how his ankle will responded to playing again. He suffered a gruesome leg/ankle injury last May, ending his season. The Giants missed his bat in the lineup, as well as his leadership behind the plate. Manger Bruce Bochy is also thinking about playing Posey once a week at first base, possibly more, to keep him in the lineup. "The work's been done," general manager Brian Sabean said. "(Trainer Dave) Groeschner has been pleased with where they are. But we'll be very conscious and diligent about what his schedule will be gamewise. At the finish line is to get him ready to be the opening-day catcher and then to figure from there how many games he can catch." Posey has acknowledged that he's not 100 percent yet and hopes to get his timing back this spring.
Analysis: The Giants aren't going to rush Posey back, but the pitchers can't wait for him to get back behind the plate. "He's really pumped to get out there," pitcher Tim Lincecum said. "I feel he's had that itch longer than anybody." Posey said he's less concerned with how his ankle will react in a game than how it will feel the next day. Posey played in just 45 games last season for the Giants, so he couldn't help Fantasy owners much. Continue to monitor his progress heading into spring training. Posey should still be considered a top-10 catching option, worthy of a pick in the first seven rounds on Draft Day.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports Giants catcher Buster Posey, who is recovering from his gruesome leg/ankle injury he sustained last May, is expected to be at the team's spring training facility for a few days of rehab starting Jan. 31. Posey is running, throwing, catching and hitting near his offseason home in Georgia. "Really, there's no urgency, and that's a good thing," trainer Dave Groeschner said.
Analysis: The Giants are hoping Posey will be ready when pitchers and catchers report for spring training on Feb. 18. Perhaps the few days of rehab starting on Jan. 31 will give the team a better idea of how far along Posey is in his recovery. The injury limited Posey to 45 games and abruptly ended his season. However, Posey had not been hitting with the same power he displayed as a rookie and may be slowed this year during his recovery process. Fantasy owners should still consider him a top-10 option at catcher and worthy of a selection in the first seven rounds of 2012 drafts.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey recently increased his running routine as he continues to rehab his leg and ankle, according to MLB.com. Posey added sprints and distance runs into his regimen three times a week since the beginning of the new year. "We're just building him up right now. So far, so good," Giants head trainer Dave Groeschner said. Posey is hoping to be ready for when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 18.
Analysis: Posey is certainly a question mark for the start of the 2012 campaign as he continues his extensive rehab following a collision at home plate with Florida's Scott Cousins last May. The injury limited Posey to 45 games and abruptly ended his season. However, Posey had not been hitting with the same power he displayed as a rookie and may be slowed this year during his recovery process. Fantasy owners should still consider him a top-10 option at a thin offensive position and worthy of a selection in the first seven rounds of 2012 drafts.
News: MLB.com reports that Giants C Buster Posey has continued to progress in his recovery from ligament damage and a broken bone in his left ankle. Posey had started swinging a bat in December, but now he is hitting as well as throwing. The 24-year-old missed the last four months of the 2011 season after a grisly home plate collision with Marlins OF Scott Cousins.
Analysis: Posey is a question mark for 2012, mostly because of his recovery from his injuries, but even before he got hurt, there were some mildly concerning signs. In the early part of last season, he had not been hitting with the same power that he showed as a rookie. Posey may be slowed by his recovery process, so it is probably unrealistic to expect that he will match his 2010 level of production. Still, he should be one of the top seven or eight catchers in Fantasy this season, and he is worth targeting in the first seven rounds of mixed league drafts.
News: The Giants plan to give C Buster Posey some time at first base in 2012. Posey, who missed the final four months of 2011 with ligament damage and a broken bone in his left ankle, is back swinging a bat and running at close to 100 percent. The 24-year-old still wants to catch, but the time at first base would keep him fresh and help him avoid future injuries. "We'd like to get him out there as much as we can without wearing him down," manager Bruce Bochy said Monday at baseball's winter meetings. "With him coming off his injury, there's a little question how much we can catch him back there, and we'll know more in spring training."
Analysis: Posey split his time between catcher and first base as a rookie in 2010, but back then, it had less to do with limitations than the need to keep his bat in the lineup. Though the recovery has gone well so far, Bochy's concern, however subtle, deserves some consideration from Fantasy owners. Posey is coming off a gruesome injury, after all. That said, he can only spend so much time at first base with up-and-comer Brandon Belt now entrenched there, so chances are it's only something the Giants would consider doing once or twice a week. Posey has as much offensive upside as any catcher in baseball, but the injury risk could allow him to slide to the sixth or seventh round in standard mixed leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who tore three ligaments in his left ankle and fractured a bone in his lower leg on a home-plate collision in May, ending his 2011 season, is back swinging a bat and running at 90-100 percent with no real discomfort, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, giving even more reason to believe he'll be ready for the start of spring training. "It was a pretty traumatic injury," he said. "To be five months out, I'm pretty happy where I am. When I was in San Francisco thinking about what I'd be doing at this time, I was thinking I'd just start to be running, or start to be hitting off a coach throwing. I've been doing that for four or five weeks now."
Analysis: On Saturday, Posey will end his daily workouts in Arizona and return home to Georgia, but Giants head trainer Dave Groeschner said he still has plenty of work to do. "He'll be in rehab until he plays a major-league game," Groeschner said. "The good thing is, you ask him how he is, and he's more frustrated at the way he's swinging his bat than the ankle. This is October. We're not worried about his swing much, just that he can do it and he feels good." Sounds like Posey is doing as well as Fantasy owners could hope for following a gruesome injury. The 24-year-old emerged as an elite Fantasy catcher as a rookie in 2010 and has as much upside as any player at the position. Even with the rehabilitation, he'll be worth drafting as early as Round 6 or 7 in Fantasy.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was begun catching live bullpen sessions at the team's training facility in Arizona, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Posey, who had his 211 season but short after breaking his left leg back in May, is expected to take live batting practice soon. “He’s been feeling good and progressing well, so there was no reason to wait,” Giants' trainer Dave Groeschner said.
Analysis: Posey continues to make strides toward getting back on the field and everyone is hoping he will be close to 100 percent by the time spring training rolls around. However, no ones for sure how long his recovery will take, so Fantasy owners should continue and monitor his status moving forward. Posey is still worth stashing in keeper leagues as an elite catcher with sky-high potential at age 24.
News: Putting to rest speculation that Buster Posey would move to first base, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said before Friday’s game against Arizona that he will be behind the plate in 2012. Bochy said he was only speaking about next year and a position change could come after that to protect Posey’s health.
Analysis: Posey, the NL Rookie of the Year, hasn’t played since May 25 after tearing three ligaments in his left ankle and fracturing a bone in his lower leg in a frightening home-plate collision with Florida’s Scott Cousins. A key piece to San Francisco’s World Series in 2010, Posey has worked hard to rehab his injury and is expected to be healthy by next season. Fantasy owners should consider him a top candidate in long-term keeper leagues.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey remains on schedule to catch a bullpen session in Arizona before season’s end -- a goal established by the Giants training staff after the reigning NL Rookie of the Year went down with a season-ending broken left leg in May. Posey played catch on the field with trainer Dave Groeschner on Wednesday before the Giants’ series finale with San Diego. It was Posey’s third session of catch. “He passed me while walking in today. I said, ‘Geez, you’ve got a lot of hop to your step now,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He’s feeling good about where he’s at.”
Analysis: Posey was headed to Arizona late Wednesday when the team headed on the road in order to increase his rehabilitation routine and is set to begin hitting off a tee next week. “He’s pretty accelerated right now,” Groeschner said. “He’ll just keep progressing. He may be a little bit ahead or right on." Last season Posey hit eight of his homers after Sept. 1 and helped the Giants capture their first division crown since 2003. Fantasy owners in long-term keeper league should continue to view Posey as a solid option while he continues his recovery.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey played catch Saturday for the first time since suffering a season-ending leg injury. Posey, who was injured in a collision at home plate on May 25, threw at a distance of 60 feet with the team's trainer. "I never would have thought I'd be so excited driving to the field today, just to play catch for seven minutes," Posey told MLB.com. "It's a big confidence booster to get back out there."
Analysis: Posey has said he feels no pain in his leg as he continues to build strength during his rehab. He is expected to be ready for the start of spring training in 2012. "I'm a pretty goal-oriented person," Posey told MLB.com. "I know where I have to go to get back out on the field. My motivation comes from enjoying playing baseball and competing and having a chance to do what we did last year." Consider Posey as a solid option in keeper leagues.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey said Friday he considers himself on target to return from a devastating leg injury by the start of spring training next year. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year catcher no longer needs a scooter, crutch or walking boot to make his way around AT&T Park. “I’m walking around in a tennis shoe, feeling good. I think we’re right on track,” Posey said. “Keep going. Be ready to go hopefully next spring.”
Analysis: Posey is gaining strength in his leg every day and is set to begin catching bullpens and hitting next month at instructional league in Arizona. He said he will return to Arizona in a couple of weeks to continue his extensive rehab. “It’s increasing every workout, so it’s just the progression of it. More and more all the time,” Posey said. “It’s nice to have some sore muscles in my legs again.” Fantasy owners in long-term keeper league should continue to view Posey as a solid option while he continues his recovery.
News: Injured San Francisco C Buster Posey, who is out for the season, could be off crutches by early next week. He is on one crutch after tearing three ligaments in his left ankle and fracturing a bone in his lower leg following a home-plate collision in May. "He's doing well. He's real close to being able to put all his weight on his leg," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He seems to be in a great frame of mind with the progress he's making."
Analysis: Posey has seemingly progressed well in his rehab from the devastating injury. The 24-year-old, who claimed the National League rookie of the year award last season, was hitting .284 with four homers before the injury. He is still expected to be fully recovered by the start of spring training next year. Fantasy owners in long-term keeper formats should continue to view him as a solid option while he continues to recover.
News: According to the San Jose Mercury News, Giants catcher Buster Posey had the screws removed from his surgically repaired left ankle on Friday. “I talked to (trainer Dave Groeschner) earlier today and that all went well, he’s doing great,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “It’ll still be a little while before he can put weight on that leg, but he should be happy to get those out.”
Analysis: Posey is done for the year, but it is good news that he's moving along in his recovery. He hopes to ready to go for the start of spring training in 2012. He's been working out his core muscles and doing cycling on a stationary bike. While he isn't worth much in seasonal Fantasy leagues, Posey remains an elite keeper in all formats. Continue to monitor his progress in those leagues.
News: Injured Giants C Buster Posey made an appearance in the clubhouse Wednesday before the game against the Dodgers. He was still pushing himself around in a makeshift scooter that supports his reconstructed left ankle. Posey has begun exercising slightly and will undergo surgery on Friday to have the screws removed from his left ankle, reports the San Jose Mercury News. "I've been anxious about it for three or four weeks now," Posey said. "Once that happens, we'll be able to do more and make more progress."
Analysis: Posey will miss the remained of the 2011 season, but the hope is for him to be ready to go for the start of spring training in 2012. He's been working out his core muscles and doing cycling on a stationary bike, actually losing between 5-10 pounds while he's been out. "I don't think it could've gone any better than it's gone so far," he said, crediting the Giants' training staff and physical therapist Dave Matoso. "I don't have any doubt with all the work I'm putting in, and all the work the trainers are putting in, I'll be back to where I was before the injury -- if not better." Posey remains an elite keeper in all formats. Continue to monitor his progress in those leagues.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Giants C Buster Posey (leg, ankle) was able to exercise on a stationary bike on Wednesday for the first time since suffering his injury. He did so with a protective boot over his left ankle. "It was nice to get a little sweat going," Posey said.
Analysis: Posey will miss the remained of the 2011 season, but the hope is for him to be ready to go for the start of spring training in 2012. He remains an elite keeper in all formats. Continue to monitor his progress in those leagues.
News: The Giants transferred Buster Posey (leg, ankle) to the 60-day DL on Saturday after signing Bill Hall. Posey is working himself back from May 29 surgery and is out for the season.
Analysis: The road to recovery will be a long one for Posey, who is out for the remainder of the 2011 season. He remains an elite keeper in all formats. Continue to monitor his progress in those leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey (leg, ankle) visited his team's clubhouse prior to Sunday's game and told reporters that the pain he has been dealing with since his May 29 surgery is "subsiding some." Asked about his mental state, Posey said, "I'm in a good place right now. Probably the hard part will be when I'm completely out of pain in a month, month and a half and won't be able to do anything. That will probably be the most challenging part." He added that he came to visit because "I was ready to get out of the house and I wanted to see these guys, too, to let everyone know I'm fine and I'm on the right path to recovery, and I appreciate all their support, all the texts I've gotten from the clubhouse."
Analysis: Posey will also reportedly be looking for a new home. According to the report, Posey currently lives in a rented home that is built into a hill and has a stairway leading to the front door. As a result, he has had trouble getting into and out of his home and said that he plans to move. The road to recovery will be a long one for Posey, who is out for the remainder of the 2011 season. He remains an elite keeper in all formats. Continue to monitor his progress in those leagues.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey said he doesn't support any of the threats made toward Florida's Scott Cousins, who ended the reigning NL rookie of the year's season in a collision at home plate May 25. "I appreciate the continued support of Giants fans and others as I begin the process of working my way back," Posey said in a statement Saturday. "But in no way do I condone threats of any kind against Scott Cousins or his family. As I said last week, I'm not out to vilify Scott. I appreciate that he made the effort to reach out to me on the night of the play, but I was in no physical condition to talk to anyone. ... We all need to move on, so it isn't necessary to have a conversation with him at this point."
Analysis: The collision at home plate left Posey with a broken bone in his lower left leg and three torn ligaments in his ankle. He's had surgery and is done for the season. "My only focus right now is looking forward, getting healthy and returning to catching for the Giants," Posey said. Posey's statement comes after San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean criticized Cousins on his weekly radio show on KNBR this week, calling the play malicious and unnecessary. Posey will reportedly need another surgery in 7-9 weeks to remove two screws inserted in his ankle, but should be ready in time for spring training next year. The 24-year-old is worth dropping in seasonal formats, but remains an elite C option in long-term keeper leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who had surgery Sunday to repair to three ligaments in his left ankle, will need another surgery in 8-10 weeks to remove the two screws inserted into the ankle, according to MLB.com. Head athletic trainer Dave Groeschner officially ruled him out for the season but said he should be ready in time for spring training next year. "It's a good prognosis," Groeschner said. "It's a long road from here. He just had a very devastating injury, had to have surgery and has a long rehab process to go."
Analysis: Well, that confirms what we all suspected. When word broke that Posey may need only 6-8 weeks to recover from the initial surgery, Fantasy owners had reason for optimism, but the need for a second surgery effectively put to end any thoughts of a miraculous comeback. Posey is still worth stashing in keeper leagues as an elite catcher with sky-high potential at age 24, but in seasonal leagues, he's just taking up roster space.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that injured Giants catcher Buster Posey had surgery Sunday to repair the damage to three ligaments in his left ankle suffered Wednesday night during a play at the plate. All indications are that the procedure, performed by Dr. Ken Akizuki and by Dr. Larry Oloff, went well. Posey will be out for at least six to eight weeks, though many -- including himself -- feel that he may be out for the rest of the season.
Analysis: Posey suffered the injury on a collision with Marlins OF Scott Cousins that has garnered plenty of attention over the last week. The 2010 NL Rookie of the Year also has a broken fibula in addition to the now-repaired ligaments that were torn on the play. A post-surgery prognosis has not been released, but it should be within 24 hours. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his progress, though he will not be on the field anytime soon. When healthy, Posey is a top-notch option in all formats, but he can be stashed in deeper formats and even dropped in shallow leagues. Alternatives who can fill a void are Jonathan Lucroy (owned in 64 percent of CBSSports.com leagues), A.J. Pierzynski (40 percent) and Ramon Hernandez (39 percent). Stay tuned.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Saturday that Giants C Buster Posey has conceded that it is "highly likely" that his season is over. The Giants were over-optimistically hoping he could return at some point this year, but Posey apparently realizes that is just a pipe dream. "I think it's going to be a long road to recovery, but it's something I believe I will be able to fully recover from," Posey said. "I think we'll know more once we do some surgery. I think it's highly likely I probably won't be back this year, from what I'm hearing."
Analysis: Posey added that he is "100 percent" returning as a catcher and not a first baseman, though we're sure that will still be debated immensely going forward. Posey, who added the injury is not considered career-ending, was hitting .284 with four homers and 21 RBI. Fantasy owners should seek other alternatives while stashing Posey in keeper leagues. We're not sure he's worth keeping on rosters anywhere else, unless you have deep DL slots. Viable replacements who are owned in less than 70 percent of CBSSports.com leagues include: Jonathan Lucroy (64 percent), A.J. Pierzynski (40 percent) and Ramon Hernandez (39 percent).
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey said he would like to return behind the plate despite being severely injured during a collision with Florida's Scott Cousins on Wednesday night. Posey, the reigning National League rookie of the year, is expected to be sidelined for at least six to eight weeks and could end up missing the remainder of the season. However, that hasn't deterred his decision about assuming the catcher role when he returns. "Yes, 100 percent," he told the San Jose Mercury News. No question."
Analysis: An MRI taken on Posey revealed a broken fibula and strained ligaments in his left ankle, injuries that will require surgery. The 24-year-old Posey thinks the injury will keep him out for the rest of his second season in the majors. "I think we'll know more once we do some surgery but it's pretty ... highly likely I probably won't be back from what I've been hearing," he told the San Jose Mercury News. Posey, who added the injury is not considered career-ending, was hitting .284 with four homers and 21 RBI. Fantasy owners should seek other alternatives while stashing Posey in all formats, especially keeper leagues. Viable replacements who are owned in less than 70 percent of CBSSports.com leagues include: Jonathan Lucroy (64 percent), A.J. Pierzynski (40 percent) and Ramon Hernandez (39 percent).
News: Contrary to reports before he underwent an MRI, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Giants C Buster Posey will be out at least six to eight weeks following a surgical procedure to be performed within a week. The MRI revealed that he does have a broken fibula as well as severely strained ligaments in his left ankle. "The fracture will be fine," said head trainer Dave Groeschner. "The ankle injury is most concerning to us." Posey suffered the injury on a collision at the plate with Marlins OF Scott Cousins in the 12th inning Wednesday.
Analysis: The good news is that the knee has sustained no damage, which would have had the superstar out for the year without much debate. The ankle will be operated on to repair damage to both sides of the ankle possibly with screws inserted. "It's severe," said Groeschner, who repeatedly referred to the injury as "football-type." "We're not going to waste too much time." Posey will need the two months to recover from the surgery, with the broken fibula healing on its own simultaneously. Fantasy owners may want to place him on the DL in all formats, just in case he has the chance to return sometime after the All-Star break in a best-case scenario. Stash him if possible, seeking alternatives like J.P. Arencibia of Toronto (74 percent ownership), Jonathan LuCroy of Milwaukee (52 percent) and the suddenly surging Jarrod Saltalamacchia of Boston (23 percent) in the short term.
News: CSN Bay Area is reporting that Giants C Buster Posey has been diagnosed with a broken leg and torn ligaments in his ankle suffered in his collision with Florida's Scott Cousins on Wednesday night. He is likely out for the season. Barring a trade, Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart will now man the catcher position for the Giants. Posey was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday afternoon.
Analysis: This is horrible news for Posey's Fantasy owners, who were relying on the young stud catcher to power their team in many statistical categories this season. Whiteside and Stewart will not be able to fill the offensive void for Fantasy owners and are not recommended stopgap options. Your best bets on the waiver wire right now include J.P. Arencibia of Toronto (74 percent ownership), Jonathan LuCroy of Milwaukee (52 percent) and the suddenly surging Jarrod Saltalamacchia of Boston (23 percent).
News: Giants C Buster Posey was attempting to block the plate in the 12th inning of Wednesday's game against the Marlins, and Scott Cousins barreled into to prevent the out and scored the go-ahead run. In the meantime, Posey's left foot/leg was caught underneath the contact and he stayed on the ground for some time before trainers helped him to his feet. He was 1 for 5 at the plate before the injury forced him to leave, and the team says he will undergo an MRI Thursday. There was no immediate update on the severity of Posey's injury. Manager Bruce Bochy, a former catcher, didn't believe the play was dirty but said it was difficult to watch. "It's the toughest play in baseball. You hate to see it," Bochy said. "As a catcher you know what it's like, and you don't like it. Believe me. When I see him laying there, it's certainly not a good feeling."
Analysis: Posey never had the ball in his possession, but the collision came with the game on the line and Cousins had little time to react."I felt like he was blocking the dish. It's the go-ahead run to win the game, I got to do whatever I can to score," Cousins said. "I'm not trying to end anybody's season or anything like that. I just was trying to play hard and score the go-ahead run. He didn't say much and you could tell he was in pain. And when their manager, when Bruce (Bochy) came out, he was pretty frustrated. I didn't want to make things any more tense." The reigning Rookie of the Year's foot bent back awkwardly and he wasn't able to put any pressure on the injured area on the way out. Fantasy owners should monitor the situation in the next 24 hours when more information is available, though it didn't look good. Posey is a top-notch option in all formats when healthy, but he may be out for at least a couple of games. Stay tuned.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was in the starting lineup posted for Tuesday's game against the Marlins, despite taking a foul ball off the chin during Sunday's win over the A's. Posey notched two hits in the loss to Florida and finished 2 for 4 with a run scored. He is now batting .287 on the season.
Analysis: Posey was able to play on as expected and even racked up two hits. While he has taken quite a few knocks this season, Posey appears to be fine moving forward remains one of the top hitting catchers in Fantasy. He is now riding a 12-game hitting streak and should be considered a must-start in all leagues moving forward.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Giants C Buster Posey was shaken up by a foul tip in Sunday's game against Oakland. He said after the game that he was all right. "Yeah, I'm good," Posey said. "Yeah, just hit me in the chin, I don't know what happened. Had a lot of pain for a few innings, but it's gone now." Posey denied feeling any symptoms of a concussion. "Just the jaw, my head never felt anything," Posey said. "I don't think I would have stayed in if I'd felt anything on my head."
Analysis: Posey appears to be a safe play for Fantasy Week 8 (May 23-29), though the Chronicle does note a growing pattern of knocks taken by Posey behind the plate this season. Those are nothing more than the usual rigors of being an everyday catcher in the big leagues. For now, the young backstop has been able to shake them off. He remains one of the top hitting catchers in Fantasy and enters the current scoring period on an 11-game hitting streak. He remains a must-start in all leagues.
News: It took 16 games, but Giants C Buster Posey finally notched his first extra-base hit of the month of May Thursday against the Dodgers. He got it over with early, striking a double to deep right field to lead off the second inning and he later scored on a Mike Fontenot double. Posey was hit by a pitch and walked in his next two at-bats before being retired consecutively in the 3-1 win. He finished the night 1 for 3 and extended a modest hitting-streak out to eight games.
Analysis: Not only did he notch his first double of May Thursday, bur he did it after putting in three straight multiple-hit games and four in a five-game span. He was hitting a not-so-Posey-like .241 before the small streak began, and he already has his average up to . 277 in just over a week's worth of work. He is still not flashing the big power we saw early in the season and towards the end of 2010, but he still seems to be rounding into form at the dish as far as timing and consistency is concerned. Fantasy owners should not waiver from rolling with Posey as a must-start option even when he is in somewhat of a slump.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was in the starting lineup posted for Friday's afternoon game at the Cubs. Posey was held out on Thursday after being removed from Wednesday's game following a couple of foul tips off his catchers mask.
Analysis: On Thursday, Giants manager Bruce Bochy was adamant that there were no real concerns about Posey, but that the time just wanted to be extra careful. The fact that he is right back in the lineup on Friday seems to verify that. Posey has gone just 6 for 31 (.193) with two RBI and four strikeouts so far in May, but he remains one of the elite options at the position in Fantasy. Now that he is back, feel safe activating him across the board.
News: Giants C Buster Posey wasn't in the team's posted lineup for their game Thursday vs. Arizona. Manager Bruce Bochy said he wouldn't play, opting to go with catcher Eli Whiteside instead. Posey was removed from Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks in the ninth inning after he took a couple of foul tips off his catcher's mask. "There are no concerns or issues," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We're just being a little careful."
Analysis: Posey said Wednesday he was fine after undergoing precautionary tests for a concussion, but the Giants are just playing it safe here. What remains to be seen is if they keep him out for the series opener Friday at the Cubs. Posey probably needs the day off -- he has gone just 6 for 31 (.193) with two RBI and four strikeouts so far in May. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status through the weekend to make sure he comes out of this OK. When healthy, Posey is a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was removed from Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks in the ninth inning after he took a couple of foul tips off his catcher's mask. He went 1 for 4 with a run scored in the outing before being replaced behind the plate by Eli Whiteside. Manager Bruce Bouchy said after the game that Posey will not play in Thursday's series finale as a precaution.
Analysis: Posey said he was fine after undergoing precautionary tests for a concussion but the Giants do not want to risk anything when it comes to their stud backstop. He has gone just 6 for 31 (.193) with two RBI and four strikeouts so far in May so hopefully the day off will do him some good. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status the next few days to make sure he does not have a serious injury, but consider Posey a must-start Fantasy option in all formats, when in the lineup.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who hit .305 as a rookie last season, hasn't been nearly as productive to begin his sophomore campaign. He has especially struggled over his last 15 games, batting just .149 (7 for 47) with two extra-base hits.
Analysis: Is Posey a victim of the dreaded sophomore slump? Well, he's slumping now, but it's no reason to think his whole season will be a disappointment. He's still making consistent contact, and considering his pedigree, it's not like his performance last season was too good to be true. If he just stays the course and continues to do what he's always done, he'll eventually snap out of it. Besides, he plays such a weak position that you probably couldn't do better than him. Even with this slump, he's still the fourth-highest scoring catcher in Head-to-Head leagues. Keep Posey active in all Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who was in a 1 for 19 slump coming into this weekend, went 4 for 8 against the Nationals over Saturday and Sunday, raising his average to .275.
Analysis: Posey is too good of a hitter to get into a lengthy slump, and you have to think this latest poor run was slightly a result of the rest of his teammates also struggling at the plate. Posey is one of the better offensive catchers in the league and remains a must-start Fantasy option in all mixed formats.
News: For just the second time in his career after Friday's 0 for 3 effort against the Nationals, Giants starting catcher Buster Posey has gone hitless in three consecutive stars. The Mercury News reports that he has never gone four straight games as a starter without a hit. The Giants lost 3-0 on the night.
Analysis: Posey has been through this only once before, from June 16-19 of last season. We don't see the mini-clump developing into anything significant, but you never know. Posey's night was a microcosm of the Giants offense recently, as they have failed to score a single run in two of the last three games. Even still, the FSU product is batting .250 this season, with four homers and 17 RBI. Fantasy owners should continue to roll with the reigning NL Rookie of the Year in all formats despite the recent struggles.
News: Giants starting catcher Buster Posey got just his second day off Saturday against the Braves, and he came back Sunday well rested. He proved it in his second chance to, after fanning in his first at bat against Brandon Beachy. Posey got him back with a man on base by jolting a homer to left field to tie the game at two. He would fail to get a hit for the remainder of the afternoon, finishing 1 for 5 with the two-run homer.
Analysis: Posey had a chance to keep San Francisco in the game, but he flied out to end it in the 10th inning. Still, he blasted his fourth homer of the season and RBI No. 15 and 16 through 20 games played. Posey leads all catchers in RBI, ranks second in home runs and fourth in batting average (.280) in the early going. He's right at the top in standard Fantasy scoring in CBSSports.com leagues among all catchers. Owners should continue to view Posey as a must-start option moving forward, regardless of format.
News: The Mercury News reports that in an attempt to get Giants starting catcher Buster Posey some rest, manager Bruce Bochy will get Eli Whiteside in the lineup more often than he has been thus far. He has started just one game for Posey through April 22. “Buster feels good, but we want to keep him fresh,’’ the manager said. Posey was hitless in Friday's loss to the Braves, and he popped up for the final out. The team will play two more games at home against the Braves before embarking on a 10-game road trip to Pittsburgh, Washington and New York.
Analysis: Posey is playing well in the early going of 2011, hitting at a .290 clip in the cleanup spot. He has 14 RBI in 18 games and three homers already. The FSU product is picking up where he left off as the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year and key driving force on the way to a World Deries crown. Posey continues to play consistently both as a hitter and defender, and Fantasy owners should continue to roll with him as a must-start option moving forward. The occasional day off -- especially on a long road trip -- should only help the 24-year-old in his first full season in the big leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey homered for the second straight day Sunday against the Diamondbacks. Posey and Pablo Sandoval hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning. Posey's was a two-run shot. He is 7 for 18 (.389) with two homers and six RBI in his last five games.
Analysis: Posey didn't exactly have the greatest start to the season, but this latest five-game stretch gives up hope that the second-year catcher is finally coming around at the plate. Posey was one of the most drafted catchers in Fantasy for a reason. Keep him active in all formats.
News: Giants C Buster Posey busted a homer in the first inning of Saturday's win over Arizona. Posey homered to left-center field for a two-run shot off starter Joe Saunders. The homer was his second of the year. Posey went 1 for 3 with a walk in the game and is batting .306 on the year.
Analysis: Posey has gone 6 for 13 in his last four games with a homer and four RBI, not to mention two stolen bases. Posey continues to hit and continues to be worth starting in mixed Fantasy leagues at all times.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey slapped a pair of two-out RBI singles before Aaron Rowand tripled and scored the tie-breaking run in Tuesday night's seventh inning to help the Giants outlast the Dodgers, 5-4. Posey went 3 for 4 on the night and scored a run, raising his average to .300. The Giants scored a pair of runs in the fourth and fifth inning -- Posey contributed an RBI in each frame.
Analysis: Posey started the season with a six-game hit streak, and until Tuesday had cooled off. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year has one home run and seven RBI to his credit so far this season. He's a top option at a relatively weak catchers position, which makes him a must-start Fantasy option in all formats.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey went 3 for 5 with a home run and four RBI in the Giants' 8-4 win over San Diego on Wednesday. Posey's two-run shot off Padres SP Tim Stauffer in the first inning was his first homer of the season and gave San Francisco an early 3-0 lead. The hard-hitting catcher added two singles -- his second one scored two runs in the sixth inning to give him five RBI through six games this season.
Analysis: Posey, who is entrenched as the Giants' cleanup hitter, has now recorded a hit in every game this season. Wednesday's outing was hit first multi-hit game of the young 2011 campaign as he improved his batting average to .320. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year appears to be fully recovered after taking a foul ball off his chin in last Saturday's game against the Dodgers. Consider him a must-start in all Fantasy formats.
News: Reigning NL Rookie of the Year C Buster Posey did not get off to the best of starts on Thursday against the Dodgers. He went 1 for 4 with two strikeouts at the plate and made a costly error in the 2-1 Giants loss on opening day. With the game tied at zero and the bases loaded in the sixth inning, Posey blocked a low pitch from Tim Lincecum but tried to pick off Matt Kemp at third base and ended up throwing the ball away to give Los Angeles the early 1-0 lead. "I just thought, especially with the ball in the dirt, I might have had a chance of catching him there with head down. I wouldn't have thrown it if I didn't think he was (too far off the bag)," Posey said. "His body blocked Pablo off from it. It was an instinctual play, and I just didn't execute it." Then he allowed Kemp to steal second base in the eighth, and a James Loney RBI double drove him in.
Analysis: Posey had a bit of a rough day on Thursday but the best part is that he has 161 more games to turn things around. The 24-year-old batted .305 with 18 homers and 67 RBI in just 108 games for S.F. last year, and should be able to dwarf those numbers will a full season of at-bats. Despite his opening-day performance, Posey remains an elite Fantasy option and should continue to be view as a No. 1 Fantasy C going forward.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey went 1 for 2 with a walk in the Giants' 4-0 Cactus League victory over the Angels on Thursday night. Posey, who batted cleanup, and drew his first walk in the last four games and has racked up six free passes during the spring. Posey, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, has collected a hit in nine of the 12 games he's played in the Cactus League and is carrying a .400 batting average.
Analysis: Posey has come down to earth a bit after his torrid start to the spring in which he registered three multi-ht games in his first four outings. Still, he should obviously not be shied away from in Fantasy drafts and remains a premier Fantasy option at a thin position. Posey has clubbed four doubles and two homers this spring to go along with nine RBIs and owns a .514 on-base percentage. Target him as one of the top three catchers taken in 2011 Fantasy drafts.
News: San Francisco C Buster Posey hit a long two-run shot to center field off Colorado SP Jorge De La Rosa to help the Giants upend the Rockies 7-5 on Thursday. Posey, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, went deep with one out in the third, belting a drive that traveled an estimated 450 feet to straightaway center. "That's the longest home run I've ever given up," De La Rosa said. Posey, who crushed 18 homers after his call-up last May, now has three extra-base hits but none as impressive as his homer Thursday. "It's hard to hit a ball much further than that," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. "He got every bit of that."
Analysis: Posey isn't showing any early signs of a sophomore slump and owns a robust .700 (7 for 10) batting average and a 1.200 slugging percentage in four Cactus League games. "It's safe to say Buster Posey is a pretty good player," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. The star catcher also has four RBI and four runs in that span as he bats out of the cleanup spot for the Giants. Although Bochy has indicated he won't play first base at all this season -- resulting in lost 1B eligibility in Fantasy formats for the 2012 season -- he remains a premier option at catcher. The emerging slugger should be considered as one of the top catchers selected in 2011 drafts.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy told the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday that he does not plan on using C Buster Posey at first base this season. "When he gets a day off, I want him to get a complete day off," said Bochy. The skipper also said the he plans on playing the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year in about 135 games. Posey played first base when he was first called up from the minors last season.
Analysis: Posey is expected to be the Giants backstop for years to come so Bochy, who was a catcher himself in his playing days, plans on keeping the 23-year-old behind the plate as much as possible. Posey is coming off a fantastic rookie campaign in which he hit .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBI while helping lead San Francisco to the World Series. While he will lose his first base eligibility in Fantasy, Posey's main value is as a catcher. And with his offensive prowess at such a thin position, Fantasy owners should continue to view Posey as a No. 1 option.
News: The San Francisco Chronicle reports Giants C Buster Posey said he took about 7-10 days off after winning the World Series last season before getting back into the weight room. Posey didn't want to diminish the achievement of winning it all, but he is ready to build off his outstanding rookie season. "I don't want for anybody to think I don't understand or appreciate the magnitude of what we did last year," he said. "It was very special. How could it not be? But I've always been somebody who enjoys the preparation and the process of getting ready to go."
Analysis: Posey has changed the expectations for rookie catchers after what he did in 2010. He made a seamless transition from the minors to a full-time role in the majors, which is relatively unheard of at the catcher position. He hit .305 with 18 homers, 23 doubles and 67 RBI. Not to forget that he was also solid on the defensive end. Posey has an extremely bright future in the majors and is already a top 3 Fantasy catcher heading into 2011. Look to scoop him up in the early-to-mid rounds of drafts.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was voted the National League Rookie of the Year. Posey won the award in voting announced Monday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He drew 20 first-place votes on the 32 ballots. Posey, who hit several key home runs and helped the Giants win the World Series for the first time since 1954, easily outdistanced Atlanta OF Jason Heyward for the National League award. He was called up from Triple-A in late May and hit .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs for the eventual champions.
Analysis: Posey entered this season as a top catching prospect with high expectations, but he managed to exceed them. He has emerged as one of the top four catchers in Fantasy, hitting for both average and power. It would not be a surprise to see him take a small step backwards, but owners should still be prepared to use a draft pick in the first four or five rounds to get him next spring.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey starred at the plate and behind it, too on Wednesday in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series. He made a great play at the plate to save a run, neatly handling a short hop and tagging out Carlos Ruiz at the plate. Posey had an RBI double in the first and run-scoring single in the third -- both coming with two outs -- for his first RBI of the postseason. He added a seventh-inning double as well. Posey finished the day going 4 for 5 and has 11 hits in the postseason, the most by a rookie.
Analysis: Posey went 27 at-bats before getting his first postseason RBI, but they came in key game. He's producing on a big stage and does not look like a rookie. He hit .305 in the regular season with 18 homers and 67 RBI. Posey has established himself as one of the upper echelon Fantasy catchers and should be viewed as a high pick on Draft Day in 2011.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey went 2 for 4 in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Braves on Thursday night. He singled to leadoff the fourth inning and was called safe on a steal of second by umpire Paul Emmel. Posey appeared to be tagged out by Brooks Conrad on the play but ended up scoring four batters later on Cody Ross' RBI single. "I guess it's a good thing we don't have instant replay right now," Posey said. "It was a beautiful slide, wasn't it?" It was the only run scored in the game as the Giants beat the Braves 1-0 behind Tim Lincecum's complete-game shutout.
Analysis: Posey continues to amaze in his first full season in the majors and has not slowed down since being called up. He hit .305 in the regular season with 18 homers and 67 RBI and registered his first career stolen base in Game 1 of the NLDS. He should be a hot commodity in Fantasy for years to come so continue to view the 23-year-old as a must- owner catcher and a high draft pick in 2011.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey went 2 for 4 on Thursday against the Diamondbacks. He hit his 17th home run and now has 66 RBI during his 2010 campaign. He's also batting .313 through his 105 games.
Analysis: Posey has been lights out for the Giants this year and has established himself as one of the best catching options in Fantasy. Owners should continue to keep him active and consider him as one of the first catchers off the board on Draft Day 2011.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey went 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored against the Cubs on Thursday night. He hit an RBI single in the second inning and scored on Juan Uribe's grand slam three batters later. Then in the third inning, Posey hit a solo shot off reliever Thomas Diamond for his 16th homer of the year. The 23-year-old is batting .290 in September with six home runs and 12 RBI.
Analysis: Posey continues to amaze in his rookie campaign and has only had one sub-par month since being called up in May. He is now batting .323 on the year with 64 RBI and a slugging percentage of .524. He looks to be a solid player and a mainstay in Fantasy owners lineups for years to come. Continue to roll with Posey in all formats down the stretch.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Giants manager Bruce Bochy may start C Buster Posey in each of the team's remaining games this season. The Giants have Monday off for each of the season's final two weeks, and Bochy told reporters, "Possibly, with the days off, he could go every day." Posey has been hot at the plate in September, batting .292 with four home runs and nine RBI in 48 at-bats.
Analysis: This does not represent much of a change for Posey, who has been playing nearly everyday already. Bochy's statement just cements Posey's status as one of the most reliable and valuable catching options in Fantasy. Even though he missed nearly two months by starting the year in the minors, he currently ranks in the top six among catchers in both Rotisserie and Head-to-Head value. He is a must-start in all formats.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey went 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBI in Thursday's 10-2 win over the Dodgers. He drove in a run with his double in the first inning and followed Aubrey Huff's three-run homer in the third with a solo shot of his own. Posey has 14 homers and 61 RBI in 92 games this season.
Analysis: Posey has set the Fantasy world on fire since being called up and is batting .325 with a slugging percentage over .500 and a on-base percentage near .400. Looks as though the Giants made the right move in shipping off Bengie Molina to make room for the 23-year-old. Posey offers rare production from a thin position and should continue to do so for many years to come. Continue to view him as a must-start in all formats and a solid prospect in long-term keeper leagues.
News: C Buster Posey went 2 for 5 with a two-run homer on Thursday, as the Giants topped the Padres, 7-3. Over his previous 11 games, Posey had gone 9 for 41 (.220) with a .341 slugging percentage. The rookie catcher has cooled off since July, a month in which he hit .417 with 7 home runs and 24 RBI. The two-hit effort was just Posey's third multi-hit game since August 23, but it was his second in the last three games.
Analysis: Posey has not been the same offensive force that he was in the middle of the season, but his recent slump is no more indicative of his potential as his scorching month of July was. He is a very good contact hitter who can provide much better home run and gap power than a typical catcher. In spite of this rough stretch, Posey should be active in all formats.
News: Rookie catcher Buster Posey went 1 for 3 on Friday against the Dodgers, and provided the only offense for the Giants. Rafael Furcal misplayed a leadoff grounder by Freddy Sanchez in the fourth inning and then Aubrey Huff then singled off the glove of second baseman Ryan Theriot. Both runners scored on Posey's two-out single that went over the head of a leaping Furcal.
Analysis: Posey has been nothing but spectacular for the Giants since being called up from Triple-A. He's batting .329 on the year with 54 RBI in 82 games. Over his last 11 games, Posey has gone 11 for 43 (.256) with one home run and nine RBI. Posey hits for a good average and has shown power for the Giants, making him an upper echelon catcher in all Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Buster Posey returned to the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Rockies after missing the previous two games with a strained forearm. He went 1 for 4 with an RBI but lined out to the pitcher to end game in the 2-1 loss. Posey is batting .273 in August with two homers and 16 RBI.
Analysis: Posey has done nothing but hit since he was called up earlier this season and is a must-start in all formats, now that he is back and healthy again. His is hitting .329 this season with 10 homers and a .505 slugging percentage. Only Joe Mauer and Brian McCann have equaled his per-game production at the catcher position.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was in the starting lineup posted for Monday's game against the Rockies. Posey missed the last two games after straining his forearm in Friday's game against the Diamondbacks. "I knew pretty much that Buster would be fine today," Giants manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com. "I did wait for him to get in to make sure, but he said he was good to go, so he's back there." Posey is batting .274 with two homers and 15 RBI in August.
Analysis: Posey is back in the lineup, so Fantasy owners should make sure and get him active for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). The rookie has done nothing but hit since he was called up earlier this season and is a must-start in all formats, when healthy. Only Joe Mauer and Brian McCann have equaled his per-game production at the catcher position.
News: Giants C Buster Posey missed his second straight game Sunday against the Diamondbacks because of his strained left forearm. Posey was suppose to play Sunday, but manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com he wanted to give the rookie one more day. We feel he needs another day [off] so he doesn't re-injure it or make it worse," Bochy said. Posey hit some balls off a tee Sunday and is expected back in the lineup for Monday's series opener vs. the Rockies.
Analysis: The injury is not especially serious, but the Giants will likely continue to take the cautious approach with their prized catcher. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation to see if their are any new developments before lineups lock on Monday. He could be considered a slight injury risk heading into Fantasy Week 22 (Aug.30-Sept. 5), but it's still worth keeping Posey active in nearly all formats. Only Joe Mauer and Brian McCann have equaled his per-game production at the catcher position.
News:Buster Posey was not in the Giants' starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. He sat out Saturday's contest with a mild strained left forearm, which he had sustained the night before, though he told reporters that he had been available to play. Manager Bruce Bochy told the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday, "We're going to be a little cautious with this. We're all trying to get this (injury) to calm down a little bit. If this was the last game of the year, we could play him, but we've got some baseball left and don't want any setbacks."
Analysis: The injury is not especially serious, and the Giants are being very cautious, so there is a good chance that he will be able to play for much of Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). Though there is some risk of playing time loss, it's worth keeping Posey active in nearly all formats, as only Joe Mauer and Brian McCann among catchers have equaled his per-game production.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who was out of Saturday's lineup with a mild strained left forearm, told MLB.com that he planned to do as little as possible in the hopes of returning to the lineup Sunday. "It feels better than it did last night," said Posey, who wore a compression sleeve on his ailing forearm. Manager Bruce Bochy said Posey is not scheduled to undergo any tests on his forearm.
Analysis: This injury appears to be minor, so hopefully Posey will be able to play Sunday. If he doesn't, he will be an injury risk heading into Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). Fantasy owners should continue to keep tabs on his progress to see when he will be able to return. Posey is batting .329 with 10 home runs, 49 RBI and 40 runs scored in 78 games this season and is a must-start Fantasy option, when healthy.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey was not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. He left Friday's contest with a mild forearm strain. Posey was 0 for 3 before being taken out of the game and is considered day to day. Eli Whiteside started in his place.
Analysis: This injury appears to be minor, as the Giants are just being cautious with their rookie. Posey has had a great campaign thus far, as he's batting .329 with 10 home runs, 49 RBI and 40 runs scored in 78 games. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on Posey this weekend before setting those Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5) lineups. When healthy, Posey is a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Giants C Buster Posey left Friday's game against the Diamondbacks with a left forearm strain. According to the manager Bruce Bochy, the strain is very mild. Mike Fontenot pinch hit for Posey in the eighth inning. He went 0 for 3 before being pulled and is listed as day to day.
Analysis: This appears nothing more than a minor injury and Posey will not miss an extended amount of time. Posey has had an outstanding rookie campaign and has done nothing but hit since he has been in the majors. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation for more details as they become available. Posey is a must-start Fantasy option behind the plate, when healthy.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who entered the game with multiple hits in seven of his previous nine, couldn't add to that number Tuesday against the Reds, but he did connect for a home run -- a three-run shot in the fifth inning. He finished 1 for 5.
Analysis: Posey is batting .395 (17 for 43) over his last 10 games and has done nothing but pile up multi-hit games since the beginning of July. He's pushing Joe Mauer for the title of best-hitting catcher, and he's only a rookie. Clearly, he should be starting in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey hit his ninth home run of the season in Sunday's loss to the Padres. Posey's two-run drive that just sneaked over the wall in deep right-center was one of his three hits on the day.
Analysis: This Posey kid might have a future in the sport. He is hitting .337 on the season with 43 RBI in just 68 games. We'd like to see him walk a little more, but his plate discipline will come soon enough and the youngster remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: MLB.com reported on Wednesday that Buster Posey's two-RBI double on Tuesday against the Cubs was changed to an error on OF Tyler Colvin. Instead of a 3-for-5 performance with four RBI, Posey now had a 2-for-5 day with two RBI.
Analysis: If you happen to lose in Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 9-15) by a few points and you have Posey on your team, then blame the official scorer for your loss. It's unfortunate Posey lost a few Fantasy points, but we still can't overlook the fact he has been red hot since July. He might not have a full season of MLB games under his belt, but Posey is in the mix for NL Rookie of the Year. He has quickly become a must-start Fantasy option at a thin position like catcher.
News: Giants C Buster Posey put on another offensive display during Tuesday's game against the Cubs. The rookie catcher led San Francisco with four RBI during a 3-for-5 performance. Posey singled home a run in the first, doubled home two runs in the seventh and doubled home another run in the ninth. He has 14 doubles and 42 RBI in 63 games since his promotion from the minors.
Analysis: Posey had just his second multi-hit game of August on Tuesday and came into the game mired in a 3-for-19 slump, but the kid still has seven homers and 32 RBI in his last 36 games. He might not have a full season of MLB games under his belt, but Posey is in the mix for NL Rookie of the Year. He has quickly become a must-start Fantasy option at a thin position like catcher.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who had hit .233 (10 for 43) over his last 12 games after hitting .469 (38 for 81) over his previous 21, was out of the starting lineup Sunday at Atlanta, though he did strike out as a pinch hitter. According to MLB.com, the team's cleanup hitter should start most of the remaining 50 games. "I'm not worried about Buster," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I think he'll be fine."
Analysis: Despite being only 23 years old and playing the toughest position on the baseball diamond, Posey has emerged as the most dangerous offensive weapon on the Giants -- one capable of hitting for both average and power. For Fantasy purposes, he's a must-start, especially since he plays such a weak position. At his age, the lack of rest shouldn't be such a big deal.
News: San Francisco catcher Buster Posey went 0 for 4 on Thursday against Atlanta, leaving two men on base. Posey left Wednesday's game in the seventh inning after taking a foul ball of his right shoulder, but got the start Thursday.
Analysis: Posey was the NL player of the month for July, after hitting .417 with seven home runs and 24 RBI. Despite his 0-fer on Thursday, the rookie remains a must-start Fantasy option. Keep him active and reap the rewards from this young slugger.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who left Wednesday's game against the Rockies after taking a foul ball off his right shoulder, remained in the starting lineup for Thursday's series opener in Atlanta.
Analysis: Posey was removed as a precaution on Wednesday, and it never looked like he was going to miss much time at all with this problem. Posey is having an absolutely monster rookie campaign and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who went 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI at Colorado on Wednesday, left the game in the seventh inning after taking a foul ball off his right shoulder. Manager Bruce Bochy said Posey could have stayed in the game, but the manager didn't want to take any chances.
Analysis: Posey was just named NL Player of the Month for July and is batting .412 (47 for 114) with seven home runs since the end of June, so even minor injuries are big news with him. Fortunately, this injury does in fact appear minor, so you wouldn't want to bench the rookie. Despite his inexperience, he's already an elite option at the weakest position in Fantasy.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Buster Posey went 3 for 4 and was the first of four Giants with first-inning RBI singles. It was Posey's first RBI since July 27, though it was his 25th since July 1. It was Posey's seventh game with three or more hits. He has hit safely in 24 of 26 games.
Analysis: Posey is unbelievable to the point this cannot continue, but that doesn't mean you should sell high or expect him to slow down. Ride this rookie in all leagues at that thin catcher position and consider him a favorite for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
News: Giants C Buster Posey will not catch Saturday's game against the Dodgers, according to MLB.com. Posey went 1 for 4 on Friday after he had a 21-game hitting streak snapped the previous day.
Analysis: Entering Friday, Posey ranked second in the Majors in hits (41), fourth in average (.427), tied for fifth in RBI (24) and seventh in on-base percentage (.472) and slugging percentage (.719).
News: Giants C Buster Posey went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts against the Marlins on Thursday, ending his hitting streak at 21 games -- one away from Hall of Famer Willie McCovey's San Francisco rookie record, set in 1959. Posey hit .440 (37 for 84) with six homers during the streak. "I had fun with it," Posey said. "It would have been something cool to have. But at the same time, I know who Willie McCovey is -- I didn't know he had the Giants rookie record hitting streak."
Analysis: Posey's streak began about the time he became the Giants' regular catcher, so perhaps he feels more comfortable at his natural position. Only one of the six homers came after the All-Star break, so he has slowed down a little bit power-wise. That's about all you can say negative about the 23-year-old, though. He's already one of the elite catchers in Fantasy and gets more at-bats than mosts since he shifts over to first base whenever he needs a break behind the plate.
News:Buster Posey extended his major league-leading hit streak to 20 games on Tuesday against the Marlins, two shy of the Giants' franchise rookie record held by Willie McCovey. "We're all into it now," manager Bruce Bochy said. "Since he's come up here he's been a shot in the arm for us. This won't be his only streak. This guy can hit." Posey had an RBI single in four at-bats and left six runners on base. Tuesday was the 10th time during the 20-game hit streak Posey managed just one hit.
Analysis: Posey has been a mad man during July, failing to hit in just one of 23 games. He is batting .449 this month to go along with seven homers and 24 RBI. He is just at the beginning to what is expected to be a great career. Continue to start the rookie in all Fantasy formats.
News:Buster Posey is hitting nearly everything thrown to him, and he's so good at going the other way he almost appears to be taking the ball out of the catcher's glove. The rookie catcher had four hits to extend his hitting streak to 18 games Sunday at Arizona, finishing 4 for 5 with two doubles and an RBI. He's batting .472 (34 for 72) during the streak.
Analysis: With Sunday's performance, Posey passed Orlando Cepeda for the second-longest hitting streak by a Giants rookie, just four behind Willie McCovey's 1959 record. He's hit .479 in July to raise his season average to .371 and has 24 RBI to tie Jim Ray Hart's team rookie record for a month, set in 1964. Clearly, he has arrived as a big-time talent and a Fantasy mainstay at the weak catcher position. Even at age 23, he's not far behind the elite class of Joe Mauer and Victor Martinez at the position.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was in the posted lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. Eli Whiteside, who started in his place on Friday, returned to the bench.
Analysis: Posey is absolutely killing it during July, batting .438 (32 for 73) with seven home runs and 21 RBI. He has quickly become a must-start option in all formats. Continue to ride this wave for the rest of the year.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey was not in the posted lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks. Eli Whiteside took his place behind the plate. Posey had started San Francisco's last 20 games. "He needs a break," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com.
Analysis: Posey is killing it during July, batting .438 (32 for 73) with seven home runs and 21 RBI. He has quickly become a must-start option in all formats. Continue to ride this wave for the rest of the year.
News: Giants C Buster Posey has reached base safely in 20 straight games and extended his hit streak to 16 games on Thursday against the Diamondbacks. Posey ended the day 2 for 4 with an RBI, raising his average to .353 for the year.
Analysis: Posey is now 28 for 64 (.438) during his streak. His eight home runs, 31 RBI and 27 runs scored in just 45 games for the Giants have made the rookie an instant favorite for Fantasy owners. He has quickly become a must-start option in all formats. Continue to ride this wave for the rest of the year.
News: Giants C Buster Posey went 1 for 4 at the Dodgers on Wednesday and has now gone four games without an extra-base hit. He does have a 15-game hitting streak going, however, batting .433 (26 for 60) with six home runs during that stretch.
Analysis: Posey blew up right before the All-Star break, hitting six home runs in a span of 10 games to become an instant Fantasy stud at the weak catcher position. His polish at the plate is impressive for a 23-year-old, and on talent alone, he ranks right up there with the cream of the crop at the position. He's already a must-start Fantasy option, and he hasn't cooled off just yet.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey has been on a roll lately, batting .500 in July with six homers and 16 RBI, and has become known for his patented one-handed finish. "When I'm going good, that's usually what it does," Posey told MLB.com. "I think when I'm going good it's because I'm getting better extension." Posey, who caught Tim Lincecum's comeplete-game shutout on Thursday, has been impressing with his defense. He threw out Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran trying to steal second during Thursday's 1-0 win. "I couldn't be more pleased with the job Buster's doing behind the plate," said manager Bruce Bochy. "He caught Timmy [on Thursday] and did a terrific job with him, both with the game-calling and receiving and making that throw. ... I really expect him to continue to make progress and get better and better back there."
Analysis: Bochy said he'd rank Posey's arm strength with anyone in the league but his bat is what is setting the Fantasy World on fire. His seven homers and 26 RBI this season in just 137 at-bats are astonishing. This type of production from the catcher's spot is rare and Posey looks like he will be able to do it for the next decade. He is on absolute fire right now and should be starting in all Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who went 1 for 3 with a triple and two more RBI on Sunday against Washington in the final game before the All-Star break, set a record for National League rookies on Saturday, reports MLB.com. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Posey's 19 hits, including six homers, with 13 RBI over his last 10 games entering Sunday was more than another other National League rookie in history over any 10-game stretch. "I try not to have too many expectations, whether it's for a year, or for a week or for a day and just try to go out and play as hard as I can and let the results take care of themselves," Posey said. "He's got great discipline at the plate," Bochy said. "It's nice to have a hitter like that [where] you're confident he's going to put the ball in play."
Analysis: After Posey's triple and two RBI on Sunday, he enters the break on an eight-game hitting streak and is 16 for 31 (.516) over that span with a double, triple, five homers and 14 RBI. He's batting .350 on the season over 137 at-bats with seven homers and 25 RBI through 38 games. Posey has been amazing and will be a must-start Fantasy option in Week 15 (July 15-18).
News: Giants C Buster Posey had four hits in the Giants 10-5 win over the Nationals on Saturday. Posey hit a tiebreaking single in a four-run seventh inning and added a two-run homer that withstood a video review. Posey hit a drive to right-center off Miguel Batista that was bobbled and caught by a fan in the first row wearing a Giants cap. The fan appeared to reach over the railing, but the umpires used a three-minute review to uphold the call. "It wasn't a great feeling," Posey said. "I really didn't want to go out there to second base, so I was glad it held up." Posey went 4 for 5 with three RBI and is now batting .351 on the season.
Analysis: Posey has been on fire lately. The 23-year-old is hitting .514 (15-32) with six home runs and 13 RBI in July. Posey will continue to see everyday at-bats as he can play first base when he is not catching and should be starting in the majority of mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey started at first base on Wednesday night in Milwaukee to ease the stress on his ailing left knee. Posey said he has received some treatment on the knee but that he really feels fine. He caught all of Tuesday's win over the Brewers and was hit in the kneecap by a Randy Wolf pitch. "I was impressed by the way he finished that game," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com. "[Posey's knee] got better as the game went long, but it was touch and go. I thought I was going to have to pull him." Posey's bat was 100 percent healthy on Wednesday, as he had a career game against the Brewers in a 15-2 rout. Posey went 4 for 4, homered twice, including his first career grand slam, and drove in a career-high six runs. It was his first multi-homer game. Posey also scored three times, walked and is batting .331 on the year.
Analysis: The Giants are not going to take Posey's bat out of the lineup as long as he's able to hit like this. Posey has been outrageously good in July. He has gone 12 for 24 (.500) for the month thus far with four homers, eight runs scored and nine RBI. He is clearly versatile as he can play first when he's not catching and he's going to get pretty much everyday at-bats going forward. Continue to roll with Posey in most mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C Buster Posey is nursing a sore knee after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Tuesday's win over the Brewers. He stayed in the game, but said afterward it was very sore, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Posey finished 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI, striking out once.
Analysis: Posey is off to a fine start in July. In six games, he's batting .400 (8 for 20) with two homers, five runs and three RBI. When healthy, he should be active in the majority of Fantasy lineups at a weak position like catcher.
News: Giants C Buster Posey started behind the plate on Monday against the Brewers despite Jonathan O. Sanchez being on the mound. Eli Whiteside is normally the catcher when Sanchez starts but manager Bruce Bochy told MLB.com on Monday that the Giants wanted to go with a lineup with more offensive firepower. It worked as Posey launched a 378-foot home run to right field in the eighth inning. It was Posey's third homer of the season and was a solo blast. Posey went 2 for 4 in the game with two runs scored and is batting .307 on the year.
Analysis: Posey has base hits in five of his last six contests and is 8 for 21 (.381) over that span with five runs scored, two homers and two RBI. Posey is a great offensive catcher and has already shown it in his young major-league career. After 114 at-bats this season, Posey has three homers and 12 RBI and is hitting over .300. He can be active in the majority of mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey was in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Rockies, the day the team traded away starter Bengie Molina to the Rangers. Posey caught former minor-league teammate Madison Bumgarner, and Giants GM Brian Sabean said he will play regularly, but it is uncertain how the catching duties will be split up between Posey and Eli Whiteside. "We've got to figure out how to get Buster in there on a regular basis, and this (trade) will allow us to do that," Sabean told the San Francisco Chronicle. However, it hasn't been decided who will catch ace Tim Lincecum. "I would presume it would be Whiteside," Sabean said.
Analysis: The trade of Molina also allows the Giants to shift Pablo Sandoval to first base and keep Juan Uribe in the lineup at third base, so this trade wasn't all about getting Posey behind the plate. It was just an added bonus. It sounds as though Posey could catch three-fifths of the rotation since Whiteside is already the personal catcher for Jonathan Sanchez. Posey is an elite hitting catcher, but we wonder how added defensive responsibilities will weigh on him? He came into Thursday mired in 7-for-48 slump. Posey is still worth keeping active in most Fantasy formats as long as he is receiving regular at-bats.
News: With the Giants trading away C Bengie Molina, there doesn't seem to be a reason why C Buster Posey won't play pretty much every day from this point on. Posey sat out two straight games earlier this week.
Analysis: After the superb start to his MLB career, Posey has slowed down a lot over the last two-thirds of June, hitting just 8 for 52 (.154) since June 11. Posey has said the wrist injury he's reportedly carrying is a 'non-issue', but this slump certainly has been an issue for his Fantasy owners. He remains worth using in 12-team mixed leagues for now, and hopefully he can get things going again in the second half now that the youngster doesn't have to worry about Molina looking over his shoulder.
News: Giants rookie 1B/C Buster Posey missed a second straight start on Tuesday against the Dodgers, but manager Bruce Bochy said it was simply another day off. "He'll be back in there [Wednesday]," Bochy told MLB.com. "We're trying to mix [the infield] up. He's going to be catching a little bit more, and we just wanted to give him a day." The San Jose Mercury News reported last week that Posey has been dealing with a sore left wrist, and while Posey admitted his left wrist has been sore for the last year and half from "playing every day," he said the wrist is a "non-issue."
Analysis: A lot of folks have been digging for a reason why the super prospect is mired in a 6-for-43 slump (.140), but they are going to have to keep guessing since Posey says the wrist is not the issue. If it has been bothering him for more than a year, then we have to agree with Posey it is a non-issue since he was tearing up Triple-A pitching this season and started his MLB career on a 21-for-49 (.429) run. It seems as though Posey might get a chance to rest once or twice a week, but since he has so much potential at a thin Fantasy position (catcher), he is still worth starting in a majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey was out of the team's lineup for a second straight game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Once again, Pablo Sandoval moved over to first base in Posey's absence, with Juan Uribe getting the start at third.
Analysis: Manager Bruce Bochy told the San Jose Mercury News on Monday that Posey just needed a day off. On Tuesday, he was still out of the lineup. Posey is 0 for his last 8 from the plate, but he has hit relatively well since being called up. We expect him to be back in the lineup shortly, but Fantasy owners in daily lineup formats should adjust lineups accordingly.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey was not in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the Dodgers. Pablo Sandoval moved over to first base in Posey's absence, with Juan Uribe getting the start at third. Manager Bruce Bochy told the San Jose Mercury News that Posey just needed a day off. "You can't get 'em all in there," Bochy said. Posey is batting .297 with one homer and 10 RBI this season.
Analysis: Posey went 3 for 11 with three RBI over the weekend against Boston, including catching one game. He has played a majority of his games at first this season but will be groomed as the catcher of the future in San Fran. He has shown his offensive potential since being called up at the end of May and remains a solid option in most formats at a thin position. Fantasy owners in daily leagues should make their changes accordingly but don't plan on having him on the bench for too long.
News: The Giants' Buster Posey, who was back at first base Sunday against the Red Sox after catching fellow rookie Madison Bumgarner in his first start of the season the night before, could become Bumgarner's permanent battery mate, according to MLB.com. "I thought he did a nice job," manager Bruce Bochy said. "It's tough when Madison was probably a little hyped up and pitching behind; that's tough for a catcher. But after he settled down, they really were in sync."
Analysis: Bochy recently said he wants Posey to begin catching more. If he becomes Bumgarner's personal catcher and gets a few other starts here and there, he has a good chance of retaining eligibility at the position heading into next season. Of course, this season is the one that matters most to Fantasy owners, and it hasn't gone well for Posey lately. He's batting just .143 (6 for 42) over his last 11 games. Still, given his offensive potential at a traditionally weak position, he's hard to bench in most Fantasy formats.
News: Giants 1B/C Buster Posey went 3 for 4 on Friday night against the Red Sox. He drove in his eighth run of the season and singled three times. Posey also scored in the game and is batting .321 since his call up to the majors.
Analysis: Posey is 5 for 13 over a three-game hit streak with two runs scored and an RBI. He's yet to really uncork his power bat but Posey has been solid as a hitter since joining the team earlier in the year. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a viable option in all formats with the potential to become a must-start option, especially at a weak position such as catcher.
News: According to MLB.com, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said on Thursday that he plans on starting rookie phenom Buster Posey behind the plate "at least once a week, if not once through the [pitching] rotation." Posey, who got the start at first on Thursday and went 1 for 4, is expected to get the start against the Red Sox on Saturday and be the batterymate with right-hander Joe Martinez. Bochy also said the Posey has been trying to hone his catching skills by catching the starters' between-starts bullpen sessions and performing drills.
Analysis: Posey has cooled of since being called up but is still batting .300 this season with one homer and seven RBI through 21 games. The team views him as the catcher of the future and will start to integrate him on a regular basis behind the plate. Fantasy owners should continue to view him as a viable option in all formats with the potential to become a must-start option, especially at a weak position such as catcher.
News: Giants 3B/1B Pablo Sandoval was not in the starting lineup posted for Thursday's afternoon game in Houston. INF Juan Uribe got the start at third base with Buster Posey entering the lineup at first base.
Analysis: Posey was out of the lineup for a second straight game on Wednesday against the Astros. However, manager Bruce Bochy stressed it would not be a continuing trend. Bochy told MLB.com com Wednesday that Posey would start at first base on Thursday and will remain in the lineup through the weekend series against Boston. The Giants are definitely easing Posey into his future role behind the plate, but they want him in the lineup because of his bat. Posey came into Wednesday with just two hits in his last seven games, but he is talented enough of a hitter to remain active in most Fantasy formats at a thin catcher position.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was out of the lineup for a second straight game on Wednesday against the Astros. However, manager Bruce Bochy stressed it would not be a continuing trend. Bochy told MLB.com com that Posey will start at first base on Thursday and will remain in the lineup through the weekend series against Boston. "Believe me, he'll be out there," Bochy said. The skipper also mentioned a reason for sitting Posey on Wednesday was because he didn't want to break up the lineup that posted a 3-1 win on Tuesday. "Part of it is, he hasn't had a break," Bochy said. "He has been grinding pretty hard."
Analysis: Posey is expected to catch on Saturday since Joe Martinez is slated to start. Posey caught Martinez at Triple-A Fresno. The Giants are definitely easing Posey into his future role behind the plate, but they want him in the lineup because of his bat. Posey came into Wednesday with just two hits in his last seven games, so he could use a day to regroup. But he is talented enough of a hitter to remain active in most Fantasy formats at a thin catcher position.
News: The Giants benched first baseman Buster Posey for Tuesday's game in Houston. Posey had started the previous three consecutive games and went just 1 for 12 over that span with three strikeouts. Posey is batting .303 on the season over 76 at-bats since his call up from the minors.
Analysis: Posey is slumping at the moment as he's just 2 for 27 (.074) over his last seven games. For as cold as he is now, imagine how hot he was to begin his career. Posey is a great young hitter who should go through some ups and downs. Still, he's going to play a lot and should be on rosters and active in a good amount of mixed Fantasy leagues.
News: Since being called up from Triple-A on May 29 Giants C/1B Buster Posey has been swinging the bat well. He is batting .303 over 85 at-bats, while playing first base and catcher. However, Posey has started to cool off after his hot start, something that is not uncommon for rookies. Posey batted .429 through his first 13 games, but has gone just 2 for 26 with a walk over his last seven games. Despite the recent slump, Posey believes he is making good swings. "The thing that is frustrating is I feel like we've been in some ballgames we should have won," Posey told MLB.com. "I mean, I get in my head here and there to bring in some runs -- that's been frustrating -- [but] I've felt pretty good at the plate. I've hit some balls hard, just right at guys. It's one of those things -- try to control what you can and not worry about what you can't control." Posey went 1 for 5 with a run scored on Sunday against the Blue Jays.
Analysis: Despite the recent hiccup in production, Posey has still been outstanding since being called up. Even though he only has one home run, the power potential is there as well as the ability to hit for a high average. It's only a matter of time before he starts hitting again and should remain active in all formats.
News: Giants 1B Buster Posey was in the posted lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays after getting a rare day off on Thursday. He started at first base, with Aubrey Huff moving to the outfield and Nate Schierholtz heading to the bench.
Analysis: Posey is off to a great start since being called up, batting .344 in 64 at-bats. He is bound to cool off somewhat, but offers enough power and potential for a high average that he is worth starting in nearly all formats.
News: Giants 1B Buster Posey was left out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles. He was replaced at first base by Aubrey Huff. It was the first time that Posey had a day off since June 3, when the Giants had no game scheduled. The rookie is hitting .344 in 64 at-bats.
Analysis: Posey was simply getting a day of rest after a long string of games. He was a pretty good contact hitter throughout his minor league career, but his low strikeout total and high batting average are well beyond our lofty expectations for him. The 23-year-old has whiffed only five times in 64 at-bats, an ultra-low rate that has contributed to his overall offensive production. He is bound to cool off somewhat, but Posey offers enough power and potential for a high average that he is worth starting in nearly all formats.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey was moved up in the lineup to the three-hole for Friday's game against the A's. The 23-year-old got the start at first again and is batting .444 this season with six RBI.
Analysis: Posey has hit in all but one game since being called up from the minors including seven multi-hit performances. He is lighting the baseball and Fantasy world on fire right now and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Giants C Buster Posey went 2 for 5 with a run scored in Thursday's loss to the Reds, giving him seven multi-hit games in his last 12.
Analysis: Posey is living up to all lofty expectations so far and will battle Stephen Strasburg for the NL Rookie of the Year award if he keeps anything close to this kind of pace up the rest of 2010. He is worth starting in the majority of Fantasy leagues right now.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey hit his first-career home run during Wednesday's loss to the Reds. He went 2 for 4 with a two-run shot off Cincinnati starter Aaron Harang. Posey hit in his eighth consecutive game.
Analysis: Wednesday was Posey's sixth multi-hit outing in 11 games this season, but he's only struck out three times in 40 at-bats. He certainly appears to be making himself at home in the majors, and isn't going anywhere any time soon. Surely he can be of help to Fantasy owners in the 29 percent of CBSSports.com leagues he's currently not active in at a weak position such as catcher.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Giants GM Brian Sabean confirmed Tuesday that rookie C Buster Posey is going to be around in San Francisco for a while. "There wasn't any intent when we brought him up that he'd go back," Sabean said. "It helps he has two positions in his pocket. We knew he'd help the roster. Once he got here, we knew he'd help in more ways than one."
Analysis: Posey has played mostly first base since being called up from the minors in late May, but will continue to also play catcher and give Bengie Molina the odd day off here and there. He remains worth starting in the majority of Fantasy leagues while he's playing so well.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was back at first base Tuesday after getting his first start at catcher Monday.
Analysis: It doesn't seem to matter where Posey plays, as he racked up two hits from the backstop position on Monday, giving him a .455 average through 33 at-bats. The Giants are going to continue to give the former FSU star full-time action as long as he produces at the plate, so get him active in more than 71 percent of leagues while he's raking like this.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey made his first start of the year behind the plate on Monday against the Reds. "Catcher is my primary position, so I'm excited to get back there," Posey told MLB.com. "I enjoy catching, working with the pitchers. When I'm at first, sometimes I'll try to think along to what's going on, pitch to pitch." The hot hitting 23-year-old replaced Bengie Molina, who got the night off to rest his wonky elbow. Posey is batting .433 with four RBI in eight games this season.
Analysis: The Giants see Posey as their catcher of the future. "I respect (manager Bruce) Bochy and the organization," he said. "I'm not the GM. I consider myself just another player. If they decide to go that direction, what am I going to say? I just have to keep working hard and playing the game the right way. Everything will be all right." He's not quite there defensively but his bat must remain in the lineup for the struggling Giants. Posey has slugged .567 since being called up and should be active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Giants C/1B Buster Posey has gone 9 for 19 since being called up from Triple-A on Saturday. The top prospect has also driven in four RBI while only striking out once. His .579 slugging percentage is higher than the .552 he put up in 47 minor-leagues games this season. Posey has played all five games at first base rather than catcher, which is the position he was drafted to play.
Analysis: Posey has set the Fantasy world on fire since being called up. His stick was good enough to make the team out of spring training, but the Giants wanted to wait and develop him as a catcher. But with their offensive struggles, they called upon Posey early and it has paid off so far. He is an elite hitting prospect and should be active in more than 62 percent of leagues, which is where he currently is. He probably won't hit more than 15 homers, but is definitely a more than viable option in all Fantasy formats.
News: Make it six hits and four RBI in two games for Giants rookie sensation Buster Posey. The catcher-turned-first baseman doubled twice, singled and drove in a run in five at-bats Sunday against the Diamondbacks, a day after he was called up and had three hits in his season debut. The Giants' fifth overall pick in the 2008 draft was hitting .349 for Triple-A Fresno before being promoted to the big leagues. He received a rousing ovation when he stepped in to hit in the first. There were chants of "Posey! Posey!" when he batted in the eighth and 10th innings.
Analysis: Posey is an elite prospect whose hot hitting nearly won him a spot on the roster out of spring training. He will eventually catch for the Giants, but with Bengie Molina currently behind the plate, he'll play first base for now. That actually works to his advantage in Fantasy. He maintains catcher eligibility, but he doesn't need all the off days of an actual catcher. His performance through two games shows he's capable of mashing major-league pitching. The 23-year-old future All-Star is a must-add in all leagues, especially since he qualifies at the weakest position in Fantasy.
News: Giants C Buster Posey went 3 for 4 with three RBI in Saturday's 12-1 rout of the Diamondbacks as he made his first appearance of the season after getting 17 at-bats in 2009. "What a great job the kid did," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "I'm sure he didn't much sleep last night and then he goes out and gets big hits for us. It's something we needed."
Analysis: The Giants don't exactly have one of the best offenses in baseball, but Posey could certainly help with that if he continues to hit in the bigs like he did in the minors, where he had a .969 OPS. He will likely get a chance to cement the starting 1B job for himself over the next couple of weeks and should be a super-hot Fantasy pickup in the majority of mixed leagues come Sunday.
News: The Giants recalled prospect Buster Posey on Saturday, prior to the team's game against the Diamondbacks. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Posey will start at first base Saturday night and bat in the six-hole.
Analysis: Posey got a second straight start at first base for Triple-A Fresno on Friday and their were strong indications that the team wanted to get him up as soon as possible. He is a top catching prospect, but with Bengie Molina being one of the team's top hitters Posey's quickest route to the big leagues was via first base. It doesn't matter to Fantasy owners, however, as his catcher eligibility will be extremely valuable given his high offensive upside. Posey was hitting .349 with six homers and 32 RBI for Triple-A Fresno. He instantly becomes a great play in all Fantasy formats as a top hitting prospect that has been in the same conversation with Matt Wieters of Baltimore.
News: MLB.com reported Friday that Giants GM Brian Sabean said on his weekly radio show that top prospect Buster Posey, who has been playing at Triple-A Fresno, could be recalled soon. "I think it's possible," Sabean said. "We discussed it before and after [Thursday's] game." Sabean said with Mark DeRosa and Edgar Renteria on the DL, he could find everyday at-bats for Posey at first base by moving Aubrey Huff to the outfield. Posey started the last two games, including Friday's, at first base for Fresno. "He's really improving," said Sabean, who spent two days in Fresno this week. "I just don't know what to make of a .344 average and how that translates to [big league] pitching."
Analysis: Every other second the Posey scenario changes. Sabean has held all along that the team didn't want to callup Posey until he could get full-time at-bats behind the plate and handle a big-league pitching staff. Now, amid the team's offensive woes, he is backtracking just to get the kid's elite bat into the lineup. Posey came into Friday hitting .344 with six homers and 31 RBI. Posey is still the future behind the dish in San Fran, but with manager Bruce Bochy a big Bengie Molina fan it seems Posey might have to get his at-bats playing first base. Wouldn't it be something if Posey is recalled before Fantasy Week 9 (May 31-June 6)? Fantasy owners need to stay tuned because with catcher eligibility, Posey will be a serious impact option.
News: According to the San Jose Mercury News, Giants catching prospect Buster Posey got a second straight start at first base for Triple-A Fresno on Friday.
Analysis: The Giants could call Posey up to make him the starting first baseman, moving Aubrey Huff to left full time. This might be the best way to get him to the majors because it is doubtful they bench veteran catcher Bengie Molina anytime soon. Fantasy owners should be chomping at the bit to get Posey up to the big leagues as his catcher eligibility could instantly make him a Fantasy stud. Posey is hitting .343 with six homers and 31 RBI this season for Triple-A Fresno.
News: Giants GM Brian Sabean to the San Francisco Chronicle on catcher prospect Buster Posey on Monday: "There are a lot of sides to it. He is catching, he is playing first base and he is swinging the bat in a (hitters') league where it's tough to evaluate a high average. We can't see how Posey would immediately fit in as regards to playing time. We want an idea that he's going to get significant time. In this snapshot, it's not presenting itself yet."
Analysis: The Giants see Posey's Triple-A numbers (.344 with five homers, 28 RBI, 28 runs, one steal, .435 OBP, .525 SLUG, 25 walks and 29 strikeouts in 160 at-bats) as a product of a hitter-friendly league. They could call him up to make him the starting first baseman, moving Aubrey Huff to left full time, but it is doubtful they bench veteran catcher Bengie Molina anytime soon, especially with the work he does with the pitching staff on a contender. Consider Posey a potential June callup still and one that is becoming more likely to be an everyday player once he arrives. He is a must-have long-term keeper at the thin catcher position, too.
News: Giants catching prospect Buster Posey has gone 11 for 34 (.324) at the plate in his last 10 games for Triple-A Fresno. Posey has driven in seven RBI in that span.
Analysis: Posey remains one of the elite hitting prospects in the minor leagues -- especially at the catcher position. Unfortunately, the Giants have said repeatedly already this season that they are not planning on calling him up any time soon. Despite the team's offensive struggles, they seem intent on letting their star catcher develop in the minors. Part of the problem is that with Bengie Molina one of the team's best hitters, he would likely not be in line for regular playing time and that would be counterproductive to his development. He remains a player to stash in any and all keeper formats, but realize that he may not make an impact this season.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that Giants manager Bruce Bochy, GM Brian Sabean and hitting coach Hensley Meulens met after Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Padres to explore options on trying to jump start the team's struggling offense. However, one solution doesn't appear to be recalling top prospect Buster Posey, who is hitting .355 at Triple-A. Bochy acknowledged that Posey is doing well in the minors, but the skipper said, "right now, this is the group of guys we have and we're a little banged up."
Analysis: Sabean said on Sunday that he wasn't ready to bring Posey to The Show because he feels he hasn't learned everything about being a catcher. He knows he can hit, but Sabean wants to see more defensive progression before he recalls the 2008 first-round pick. The other dilemma the Giants face is where to play Posey? Bengie Molina and Eli Whiteside make a good tandem behind the plate, and since San Fran is grooming Posey as the catcher of the future, the Giants don't want to bring him up solely for his bat and to play him at first base. Hold onto Posey in all long-term Fantasy keeper formats and leagues where you can stash a potential impact bat. However, it doesn't appear he is going to be a viable start heading into Week 7 (May 17-23).
News: Giants GM Brian Sabean didn't have encouraging news on Sunday for Fantasy owners who are looking for the star prospect Buster Posey to be recalled. Sabean told the San Jose Mercury News that Giants officials don't believe the 2008 first-round pick is ready to catch in the majors. Sabean, however, wanted to throw out the reason that Posey wasn't being recalled was because of service-time concerns. Many baseball teams some times delay promoting top prospects to postpone arbitration by a year. "Let me dispel all that, all right?" Sabean said. "When we think Posey's ready, just like when we thought (Tim) Lincecum was ready, and this starts from ownership, he'll be in the big leagues." Sabean added that Posey is "still learning how to catch. Some of that is game calling. Some of that is the consistency that he'll need as, we hope, an offensive catcher." Sabean also had no problems putting down minor league baseball. "Triple-A baseball isn't very good," Sabean said. "I'm going to tell you that right now. Especially from a pitching standpoint. Anybody who can pitch is in the big leagues."
Analysis: Posey is crushing the ball at Triple-A Fresno. He is hitting .345 with four homers and 20 RBI. He also has seven doubles. We all know Posey can hit and should be a star in the majors. But where are the Giants going to put him? Bengie Molina is still getting it done behind the plate, and while Aubrey Huff might not be hitting well, his defense at first is keeping him in the lineup. We all expect Posey to be up in the majors this season, but when is still a mystery? Let's not forget that the Cubs said Starlin Castro wasn't coming to the majors until later in the season and he was recalled on Friday. Hold onto Posey in all long-term Fantasy keeper formats and leagues where you can stash a potential impact bat.
News: Giants C prospect Buster Posey went 4 for 5 with a single, double, home run and three RBI in a Triple-A contest on Thursday.
Analysis: Posey is hitting .343 with 15 walks, 16 RBI, three homers and a .961 OPS. It's only a matter of time before he's called up by the Giants, so continue to stash him away in deeper mixed leagues.
News: Giants C prospect Buster Posey has an on-base percentage of .430 through 24 Triple-A games this season. That number would rank him tied for eighth in the majors.
Analysis: After his superb first full season, when he hit 22 homers and drove in 80, Posey is living up to expectations once again in 2010. Fantasy owners who are stashing the former FSU star away in deeper mixed leagues would love to see the 23-year-old getting full-time at-bats some time this season. He remains an elite prospect.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Buster Posey is being considered as a call-up, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. With the offense hurting and 1B Aubrey Huff and C Bengie Molina slumping, the Giants are looking into the possibility of calling up Posey rather than waiting until June 1. By delaying, the Giants could prolong Posey's arbitration clock, but their hitting woes might be a bigger issue than the prospect's service time. Posey is hitting .353 with a .438 on-base percentage through 18 games with Triple-A Fresno.
Analysis: Posey is a must-stash prospect in long-term keeper leagues. A call-up before June could be good and bad for Fantasy owners. If he comes up and play part-time, it could do his value a disservice. He is best suited as a long-term stashee, but his talent and proximity to the major leagues could help him impact Fantasy later this year.
News:Buster Posey is hitting .346 in Triple-A, rising a seven-game hit streak heading into Thursday's play. He has one homer, a .443 OBP and a .462 SLUG.
Analysis: Posey is ready for the majors, but the Giants are a contender that relies on pitching and defense. Contenders don't hand the keys to the car to rookie catchers in pennant races, especially if they have a productive veteran like Bengie Molina. Posey will be the everyday catcher in 2011, but he could spend a large portion of 2010 in Triple-A and then come up in the second half to be a part-time catcher and ease his way into the team. His Fantasy value is limited to deeper NL-only and long-term keeper leagues at this point. Frankly, he is a bit overowned at 41 percent on CBSSports.com. He needs an injury to Molina to get real Fantasy value this season.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Buster Posey is off to a fast start at Triple-A Fresno, going 9-for-21 (.429). He had multiple hits in each of the Grizzlies' first four games before going 0-for-3 Monday.
Analysis: The more Posey stays hot, the more he wll force the Giants to seriously consider promoting him to the majors. We doubt they will call him up until he would play every day, though. That is a dicey thing if veteran Bengie Molina stays healthy. They are a contending team that needs the veteran to call the game for their pitching staff.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Buster Posey could stay at Triple-A Fresno until June 1 for two reasons: to hone his skills as a catcher and to delay his arbitration clock. If he were called up earlier, he could become a "Super Two" and be eligible for arbitration after two seasons, not the normal three. "He had a good spring," manager Bruce Bochy said. "We just feel at this time that Posey needs to go down and continue to get playing time and get his at-bats. We told him what the plans are."
Analysis: Posey is one of the elite catcher prospects in all of baseball, so consider him a stashee in deeper NL-only and all long-term keeper leagues at this point. He might need an injury to Bengie Molina to arrive, though. The Giants want Posey to play every day wherever he is.
News: Catcher Buster Posey, one of the San Francisco Giants' top prospects, has been optioned to Triple-A Fresno.
Analysis: Posey, the fifth overall pick in the 2008 draft, batted .321 with one homer and nine RBI during spring training. We knew this was coming since San Francisco brought Bengie Molina back in the offseason. That's not to say that Posey won't be back at some point in 2010. He is a great long-term Fantasy keeper and potential player to stash in larger formats.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, who's one of the top prospects in baseball, went 2 for 3 with two runs scored Wednesday at Kansas City, raising his batting average to .400 (16 for 40). With the return of Bengie Molina this offseason, Posey figures to begin the season in the minors.
Analysis: Posey has nothing left to prove at the minor-league level, and his bat has certainly looked major-league ready this spring. The Giants could still elect to keep him as a backup catcher and infielder, but at age 23, he really needs to be getting regular playing time. He's worth stashing in deeper leagues for a midseason arrival and is obviously a must-own in long-term keeper formats. He has as much upside offensively as any catcher not named Joe Mauer.
News: Giants C Buster Posey was 2 for 3 with a double and a pair of RBI in Friday's game against the Rockies. Posey is batting .333 in 15 at-bats.
Analysis: Posey has appeared in just seven major league games. He's not being over-matched this spring -- 5 for 15 with one homer and four RBI -- but still might start the season in the minors. The sky is the limit for Posey, so obviously he's very attractive in long-term keeper leagues. But he could be a sleeper this year in standard formats, although you might need to stash him for a few months.
News: Giants catching prospect Buster Posey, who figures to begin this season in the minor leagues after the team re-signed Bengie Molina in the offseason, hit his first home run of the spring Tuesday against the White Sox. He finished the game 2 for 4 and is now batting .273 (3 for 11) overall.
Analysis: At age 23, Posey still has some learning he can do in the minor leagues, but you'd like to see a player of his talent get a crack in the majors, especially at the weak catcher position. He's a prospect on the level Matt Wieters was last year, making him worth a flier late in two-catcher leagues even though he might not make an impact until midseason.
News: Giants manager Bruce Bochy knows a good catcher when he sees one. He spent parts of nine seasons as a catcher in the major leagues. And he has no doubts about the future of Buster Posey. "He's a complete guy," Bochy said Monday. "He can handle the bat, and has a strong arm behind the plate. He's an intelligent kid who knows what he's doing back there. He gets better and better. It's a matter of time before he's a front-line catcher in the major leagues." The time probably will go much slower than the 23-year-old Posey would like. He knows he likely will begin the season back at Triple-A Fresno, where he can play every day instead of riding the big-league bench. Posey's timetable of reaching the majors might have been accelerated had Molina, 35, gone to another club as a free agent over the winter. But Molina decided to return to the Giants, signing a one-year deal.
Analysis: Gerald Demp Posey III was the fifth overall pick by the Giants in the 2008 draft and won just about every award imaginable in college baseball at Florida State, including the Golden Spikes Award (top overall player) and the Johnny Bench Award (top catcher). Posey, who is taking some groundballs in the infield to increase his chances to make the team, played in 10 minor-league games in 2008 and 115 in 2009, hitting a combined .327 with 19 home runs and 86 RBI. Consider him a decent flier in deeper NL-only leagues and a must-stash in long-term keeper formats. He is a future top five Fantasy catcher, although that won't happen for him this season with Molina back.
News: C Buster Posey, the Giants' No. 1 pick in 2008, will take ground balls at first base in camp and could make the team as the backup catcher, manager Bruce Bochy said. "We are going to stay open-minded with Buster. Everybody would be assuming he would go to Triple-A and play every day and continue his growth as a player. But if we think we are better with Buster here and I can catch him two, three days a week, that's always a possibility," Bochy said.
Analysis: Posey is one of the top catching prospects in baseball -- potentially another Joe Mauer in the making -- but the return of Bengie Molina seemingly ended his chances of making the opening-day roster. If, however, he does make the team and plays four games a week either at catcher or first base, he'll be worth drafting in mixed leagues. As we saw with Matt Wieters last year, young catchers sometimes need a little longer to develop as hitters, so you wouldn't want to overpay for Posey. But if he slips to the late rounds, he's worth a flier.
News: The Giants are considering giving C Buster Posey a shot as an infielder, according to The Sports Xchange. The team has reportedly spoken internally about having him play the infield in spring training, if only to give the team another offensive presence. Posey is the catcher of the future behind Bengie Molina, and manager Bruce Bochy plans to keep only two catchers this season, Molina and either Posey or Eli Whiteside.
Analysis: Posey is a future All-Star and Fantasy owners will like his sleeper potential at the catcher position, once he arrives. He was going to be a starter out of spring training and a nice sleeper in all Fantasy leagues, but the Giants re-signed Bengie Molina and likely will ship Posey back to Triple-A. When he does arrive, we don't see a Joe Mauer or Matt Wieters, but the Florida State product (.325-18-80-84-6, .416-.531 between high Class A and Triple-A) could perform like a top 12 Fantasy catcher. Long term, he will become a top-five Fantasy backstop annually, though.
News: The re-signing of Bengie Molina alters the Giants' plans with Buster Posey. The Giants were ready to move forward with Posey, the fifth overall pick in the 2008 draft, if no other opportunity emerged. Yet Sabean had said this winter he didn't think Posey was ready to be a full-time major league catcher and would prefer he start the season with Triple-A Fresno to gain more experience. Posey hit .325 with 18 homers and 80 RBI in the minors last season and played seven games with San Francisco in September. Eli Whiteside will likely remain the backup catcher, while Posey will begin the year in the minor leagues.
Analysis: Posey was a potential No. 1 overall pick candidate in 2008, but the Rays went in another direction and Posey fell to the Giants. They have a future All-Star on their hands now and Fantasy owners will like his sleeper potential at the catcher position, once he arrives. He was going to be a starter out of spring training and a nice sleeper in all Fantasy leagues, but the Giants re-signed Bengie Molina and likely will ship Posey back to Triple-A. When he does arrive, we don't see a Joe Mauer or Matt Wieters, but the Florida State product (.325-18-80-84-6, .416-.531 between high Class A and Triple-A) could perform like a top 12 Fantasy catcher. Long term, he will become a top-five Fantasy backstop annually, though.
News: Giants GM Brian Sabean and Bruce Bochy have discussed the idea of going into spring with Buster Posey and Eli Whiteside as the catchers. Last month, Sabean said the team's brass had discussed Posey and decided their 2008 first-round draft pick wasn't ready to be a full-time catcher in the majors. It sounded then as if he would begin 2010 with Triple-A Fresno to gain more experience, but the team hasn't been able to sign a catcher to replace Bengie Molina. Whiteside caught Jonathan Sanchez's improbable no-hitter July 10.
Analysis: Posey hit .325 with 18 homers and 80 RBIs in the minors this year and spent seven games with San Francisco in September. He is a big-time talent with great potential and could be an NL Rookie of the Year. He is a great pick late at the thin catcher position on Draft Day. Whiteside is nothing more than a backup for the Giants and the deepest of NL-only leagues at this point.
News: The Giants' brass discussed catching prospect Buster Posey in the week before the winter meetings and decided their 2008 first-round draft pick isn't ready to be a full-time catcher in the majors. He will probably begin 2010 with Triple-A Fresno to gain more experience. "We really had a lot of good input. The relative conclusion was that after his first full season and time in the big leagues and the Fall League, he was pretty whipped," general manager Brian Sabean said. "By nature, he hasn't played enough. It might be a tall order to ask him to do this. We'd like to get somebody, if we make the decision not to have him start the season, who's more full-time, and (Posey would) be in the position to earn it."
Analysis: Posey hit .325 with 18 homers and 80 RBI in the minors this year and spent seven games with San Francisco in September. His talent is obvious and would make him worth drafting in standard mixed leagues if he came out of spring training as the team's starting catcher. Most likely, he won't arrive until midseason, much like Matt Wieters last year. He's a must-have in long-term keeper leagues, but in seasonal leagues, keep in mind you probably won't get anything from him for a couple months.
News: From The Sports Xchange notes: C Buster Posey got his first big-league hit Saturday, a soft single to right off Dodgers RHP Jeff Weaver. Posey, the Giants' first pick in the 2008 draft, is a candidate to be the No. 1 catcher next year, especially if C Bengie Molina isn't re-signed.
Analysis: Posey is nothing more than a reserve for the Giants down the stretch, but he is a must-have long-term keeper prospect. He is a potential top 10 Fantasy catcher as soon as next season.
News: Giants C Buster Posey, drafted fifth overall by the Giants in '08, made his highly anticipated major league debut in the eighth inning of Friday's game against the Dodgers. He received a warm ovation and fans chanted his name when he batted in the bottom half. He struck out. "My heart started beating a little harder. I just tried to get loose and enjoy it," Posey said. "It was a fun feeling I know I won't ever have again."
Analysis: Posey hit .325 with 18 homers, 80 RBI between Class A and Triple-A this season before getting called up. He is a solid prospect in the Giants organization and is worth owning in long-term keeper formats. However, he should only be activated in the deepest of NL-only formats for now.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that the Giants have purchased the contract of C prospect Buster Posey. He will join the team on Wednesday.
Analysis: Posey killed minor league pitching in his first full pro season, hitting .325 with 18 homers, 80 RBI between Class A and Triple-A. He likely won't get many at-bats with the Giants in September, which will limit his seasonal value, but the former FSU star remains one of the best long-term keeper options in all of Fantasy play.
News: Giants C Buster Posey drove in a run in each of his first four games after being promoted to Triple-A, before his streak ended on Tuesday.
Analysis: Posey is one of the best catching prospects in baseball and might even be called up later this season. He is a solid long-term keeper prospect.
News: The Giants have promoted C Buster Posey to Triple-A.
Analysis: Posey, the fifth overall pick in 2008, has zoomed through the Giants minor league system. He hit .326 with 13 homers and 58 RBI in Double-A this season, and if he keeps this up, he could be up in San Francisco later in the year. He remains one of the best long-term keeper prospects out there.
News: Giants prospect Buster Posey has seven hits in 33 at bats (.212) over his last 10 games. He has one home run, four RBI and six runs over that span.
Analysis: Posey is still batting .320 with 50 RBI and 11 homers this season and this should only be classified as a minor funk. He is the second-best catcher prospect in baseball with Matt Wieters, who is now in the majors, being the first. Consider Posey a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues.
News: The Oakland Tribune reports that Giants C Buster Posey hasn't played for Class A San Jose since he was hit on the helmet by a pitch Friday.
Analysis: Posey wasn't diagnosed with a concussion, but was showing the symptoms of one. Hopefully this super prospect can shake off this injury and get back to raking soon.
News: Giants prospect Buster Posey has 13 hits in 33 at bats (.394) over his last 10 games for high Class A San Jose. He has 80 hits in 249 at bats (.321) in 68 games this season with 11 home runs and 48 RBI.
Analysis: Posey is the second-best catcher prospect in baseball with Matt Wieters, who is now in the majors, being the first. However, Posey is just 22 years old and is still a ways away from making an impact at the big league level, especially with the Giants having Bengie Molina around for now. Consider Posey a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Molina leave via free agency.
News: The Giants are considering moving catcher prospect Buster Posey to Triple-A from high Class A, bypassing Double-A, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.Analysis: The Giants are saying they have a all-glove, no-hit catcher in Double-A they don't want to move up to Triple-A to make room in Double-A for Posey. That means Posey will get the benefit of being just one step from the major leagues. He is still not expected to arrive before September, though, especially since the Giants are in contention and Bengie Molina is a needed member of their punchless lineup. Consider Posey the best catcher prospect in the minors now that Matt Wieters has arrived. Keep Posey stashed in all long-term keeper leagues.
News: Giants prospect Buster Posey has 78 hits in 233 at bats (.335) at bats for high Class A San Jose. He has 10 home runs and 46 RBI with 48 runs scored.
Analysis: Posey is the second-best catcher prospect in baseball with Matt Wieters, who is now in the majors, being the first. However, Posey is just 22 years old and is still a ways away from making an impact at the big league level, especially with the Giants having Bengie Molina around for now. Consider Posey a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Molina leave via free agency.
News: Giants catcher Buster Posey is batting .303 through 49 games for high Class A San Jose. He has eight home runs with 39 RBI and 34 runs scored.
Analysis: Posey is arguably the second-best catcher prospect in baseball with Matt Wieters, who is now in the majors, being the first. Consider him a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Bengie Molina leave via free agency.
News: Giants prospect Buster Posey has 43 hits in 143 at bats (.301) for high Class A San Jose. He has six home runs and 28 RBI with three steals in three attempts.
Analysis: Posey is arguably the second-best catcher prospect in baseball with Matt Wieters being the first. Consider him a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Bengie Molina leave via free agency.
News: Giants catcher prospect Buster Posey went 2-for-3 Tuesday with a pair of doubles, he now has 11, raising his average to .301 in high Class A.
Analysis: Posey is arguably the best catcher prospect in baseball not named Matt Wieters. Consider him a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Bengie Molina leave via free agency.
News: Giants catching prospect Buster Posey is hitting .327 with five home runs and 22 RBI in high Class A San Jose. Through 101 at-bats, he has posted 33 hits.
Analysis: Posey is arguably the second-best catcher prospect in baseball with Matt Wieters being the first. Consider him a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Bengie Molina leave via free agency.
News: Giants catcher prospect Buster Posey raised his average to .388 with a homer (his fourth), double (his seventh) and a single Sunday in high Class A. He drove in four.
Analysis: Posey is arguably the best catcher prospect in baseball not names Matt Wieters. Consider him a must-stash in all long-term keeper leagues. He won't be more than a September call-up at this point, but he could be the Giants' choice to start in spring 2010 already if they choose to let Bengie Molina leave via free agency.
News: Giants prospect Buster Posey had 12 hits in his first 26 at-bats for high Class-A San Jose. Three of those hits were home runs and he drove in nine runs while scoring seven.
Analysis: Posey is a must-have long-term keeper prospect for his potential at the thin catcher position in Fantasy. We think he could impact leagues as early as the end of this season, in fact. However, his prospects for 2009 are slim to none.
News: The Giants optioned RP Osiris Matos and OF John Bowker to Triple-A Fresno and reassigned C Buster Posey to minor-league camp after Sunday's game against the Brewers.
Analysis: Of these three players, Bowker has made the biggest Fantasy impact so far, hitting 10 home runs in the major leagues last year. The Giants have more depth, though, allowing him to go back to the minors where he probably belongs. Posey is one of the better catching prospects in baseball, but he likely won't appear in the majors this season. Matos is nothing more than a middle reliever not worth owning in any Fantasy league.
News: Promising catcher Buster Posey, the Giants' top hitting prospect, hit his second homer of the spring in the seventh Saturday. Posey, who started for the first time this spring, is 8-for-19 (.421). He also made a nice catch of a foul popup and a strong throw to nail Jason Giambi attempting to go to third on a ball that got past him. "I've been really impressed with him," Travis Ishikawa said. "For his first full season, he's handled himself professionally, gotten his work in. He's going to be a very good player."
Analysis: Posey is a must-have long-term keeper prospect for his potential at the thin catcher position in Fantasy. We think he could impact leagues as early as the end of this season, in fact.
News: Giants catching prospect Buster Posey hit a two-run drive in the ninth for his first homer this spring. Posey finished the game 1-for-2.
Analysis: Posey, who got a $6.2 million signing bonus after he was selected with the fifth pick of the 2008 draft, is hitting .385 with five RBI in 13 at-bats. He likely will not make the team but is definitely worth a look in long-term leagues because of his supreme upside.
