Lurking behind the plate (and the mask) for the 2009 Giants is a stalwart presence with youth echoing on the horizon. Both should serve to excite this season.
In charge of the Giants pitching staff will be the veteran hitting machine Bengie Molina. In addition to handling the pitching staff well, Molina improved his defense in 2008, lowering his passed balls from 16 to 5 while throwing out 35% of potential base stealers (a respectable amount). Molina is one of the key team leaders for 2009. His seeming immobility, while an asset for blocking the plate, tends to be a detriment on the basepaths. For this reason, perhaps batting cleanup is a bit high for Molina and he should be dropped in the order to either 6 or 7.
When Molina needs a rest, Steve Holm will serve as backup, for now. It’s no secret that, as a rookie, he didn’t exactly dazzle (21 of 23 base stealers got away with their crimes on his watch). However, if that’s what they have, then that’s what they have.
Perhaps the Giants would be better suited to give third baseman Pablo Sandoval a few repetitions behind the plate. He is naturally a catcher and nailed 3 of 10 stealers in 2008. However, if he continues to excel at third base, perhaps it’s best to save his knees and leave him there.
The elephant in the room which we have yet to discuss is the youngster, Buster Posey. He’s having a noteworthy spring and perhaps could get a call up later in the season if he is effective in his first minor league season. However, it would probably do him a disservice to start the year in the bay area to sit on a major league bench while minor league starts are given to others. Again, repetition is the key here. 2010 will probably be his year to blossom, but don’t be surprised to see him in the orange and black in 2009, if only for a cup of coffee.
Some rumors have the Giants looking to trade or sign for a veteran backup backstop this season. I think that could very well be a mistake (barring injury to Molina). However, ya’ never know what you are going to find when you go bargain hunting. We’ll see how it plays itself out.
