Amiss dismal season, Giants’ star Posey stands out

Baseball is defined by its highs and lows. Following their 2012 season, the Giants were riding the highest of highs, a World Series Championship. Fast forward to the following August, the Giants are suffering the lowest of lows.

After a championship season in which ace Matt Cain threw a perfect game (recording 27 outs in succession) and came back from elimination twice, the Giants are in the middle of a season they wish they could have back. Buried in last place in the NL West with a 59-74 record, it seems like the Giants have hit rock bottom. The pitching rotation, once the envy of the Major Leagues, has fallen into disarray after the injury of star Ryan Vogelsong.

It seems like there could be no positive to a season in which the Giants are likely to finish last in one of the least impressive divisions in baseball.

From a spectator standpoint, it is easy to see this, but as an avid Giants’ fan, one shining point in the midst of a dump of a season, is All-Star catcher Buster Posey.

Posey is the only Giant worth following this season as he is still maintaining his status of excellence. As of Sep. 1, his stat line: .305 BA (batting average), .374 OBP (on base percentage), 25 HR (home runs), 118 RBI (runs batted in.) It is difficult for any player to achieve the .300 plateau, but Posey does it as a catcher, arguably one of the least offensive-oriented positions in baseball.

Even more importantly for the Giants and Giants’ fans alike is the contract that Posey signed this year; 9 years, $167 million. 

As a follower of Posey and his feats on the baseball field, I am happy to know that the quiet leader will return for many  more years to come. His leadership on and off the field has been paramount in both Giants’ championship runs.

Even more important is Posey’s ability to manage the pitching staff and get the most out of his pitchers. All the Giants’ pitchers have benefitted from Posey’s knowledge behind the plate.

Amidst a torturous year of Giants baseball, and not the good kind, one figure continues to give Giants’ fans hope for the future: Buster Posey.