Too many roster moves have been happening since the last series for me to wait to write about until the end of the swing through Philly.  Let’s touch on those, right now. 

First things first, and most important for the time being (like say….tonight) is the addition of Brad Penny to the rotation.  He comes at a low cost to the Giants as I believe that the BoSox will be picking up most of this tab on the year.  Penny appears to be healthy and back in the league where he’s most comfortable.  I say this is a good move.  He’ll be starting tonight and installed at the #5 spot in the rotation.  This spot is one that might be of importance due to the neck and neck run for the wild card against the Rockies.  I like his veteran savvy more than any rookie that could occupy that spot.  That included Kevin Pucetas, whom I’ve been pumping up for several months.  We’ll see how he does.  His test starts tonight against the Phillies.

The other move is a recall from the minors that should turn the head of any Giants fans with a pulse.  Catcher Buster Posey, the Giants top pick in the 2008 draft, was brought up for the September roster expansion.  This is critical because Benjie Molina has been fighting a nagging leg injury for about a week now.   Eli Whiteside isn’t what the team needs in a starter.  Posey’s excelled wherever he’s played.  I hope he’s plugged in for more than just token ‘cup of coffee’ starts.  If he continues his hitting charge, it might be bye bye for Molina in the offseason.  Also, should Molina be unable to go in the post-season, the team could plug Posey into his roster spot.  He should be suited up for Wednesday’s game. 

And it all starts tonight…..

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.