This Will Perk Up Boly's Ears

[Rog]

Bruce Bochy said yesterday that Buster Posey might do some of his position playing when "resting" at third base.  He said he and Buster hadn't discussed it yet, but that if Johnny Bench could play third base, Buster could play a few games there.

Bruce says that the Giants might give up less defensively with Buster at third relieving Casey McGehee compared with having him replace Brandon Belt at first as he has in the past.  What Bruce didn't mention is that he no doubt wants to keep Brandon's bat in the lineup.  if you're going to bat a guy third, you want him out there as much as is feasible.

Bruce did mention that if Buster learns to play third, his arm might be overworked this early.  That sounds like more work at the position later in spring training.  Even without throwing though, Buster could take ground balls at third, reaquainting himself with grounders on the left side of the infield.

Although Bruce didn't say so, this could be an entree to his ultimately moving out from behind the plate.  McGehee is eligible for free agency after the season.  How the 32-year-old fares this season will obviously determine the length as well as the dollar amount of his contract -- and even whether the Giants would be interested in bringing him back.  It sounds as if Casey loves the idea of returning to his native Northern California (born in Santa Cruz), but while he might be willing to give the Giants a hometown discount salary-wise, it is hard to imagine him giving up an extra year or more in what could conceivably be his last contract.

If Casey were extended for say three years, Buster would just be turning 31 at the end of that contract.  That might fit the Giants' timetable for Buster.  Of course, after this season, the Giants might not want Casey back at all.  And a two-year extension might fit their timetable better for Buster's move.

But if the Giants do indeed decide to re-sign Casey, unless he has a return to something approaching his 2010 season (23 homers and 104 RBI's), they should be able to do so without spending a lot of money, which would leave more bucks to address some other needs (such as a starter or two).

With Pablo Sandoval around, it would have been tough to gradually work Buster in more and more at third base.  With a lesser player in McGehee, such a transition should be more feasible.

If McGehee has a poor season this year, the Giants likely wouldn't re-sign him.  If he has an excellent season, they might have to guarantee him more years than they'd like.  What they would need to best facilitate a transition by Buster to the hot corner would be a Goldilocks season -- not too hot and not too cold.

With what the Giants expect from Belt and with first base the only place to play Buster when he isn't catching, it would be very difficult to transition him from behind the plate.  With third base and the very occasional game at first, that becomes a far bigger reality.

Are your ears perking up, Boly?

[sfgdood]

Mine are...this doesn't sound like the Giants are very confident in McGehee. No shock there.

[Islandboagie]

I'd like to see Susac get some time at 3rd base over Posey. I would think a younger player could make that transition easier. Plus Posey can already play 2 positions.

[Rog]

El Dooderino -- Mine are...this doesn't sound like the Giants are very confident in McGehee. No shock there.

Rog -- Is there a more negative fan out there? What we're talking about here is essentially whether the Giants have more confidence in McGehee or Belt. Can it possibly come as a shock that it is the latter?

I think a more valid opinion is that the Giants are opening their eyes to using Buster at a different position -- which could lead to his gradually catching less and less. If Belt performs as many not named Randy expect, it will be tough for Buster to get time at first base -- especially against right-handed pitchers. Having the option of filling in for McGehee would open up a lot of things.

For gosh sakes, Randy. I almost hate to post anything anymore, since you will find a way to turn the post into hate.

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[Rog]

Did I hear something about Pablo's being 260 pounds now? I'd still love to have him, but his weight is part of his risk.

I will say this: Casey McGehee isn't nearly the player Pablo is, but at $4.8 million or whatever he wound up at, he's a lot better bargain than Pablo at 5/$95. Of course, Casey too will be eligible for free agency in a year, and if he has a good season, he'll also get big bucks.

But neither the term nor the salary of Pablo.

[Rog]

Boagie -- I'd like to see Susac get some time at 3rd base over Posey. I would think a younger player could make that transition easier. Plus Posey can already play 2 positions.

Rog -- You've mentioned this multiple times, Boagie, and on the surface I think it's a great idea. But do we have any indication Andrew can play third base?

I would certainly give him a try there, but while he is a younger player than Buster, Buster has played most of his life on the infield (albeit shortstop).

I think the key question here isn't whether the idea is a good one, but rather do we have any clue as to whether Susac can play third base? Boagie?

A few years back I had what might in theory have been an even better idea for catcher and third base. My idea was to play Buster behind the plate 120 games and at third base 40 times. Then play Pablo Sandoval at third for 120 games and catch him 40 times.

The problem with the idea is that while Pablo spent most of his minor league career behind the plate (with a caught stealing percentage, by the way, of over 40%), his physical condition no longer allowed him to catch.

In theory the Giants could do the same thing with Buster and have Andrew play the "Pablo" role. But, really, does Susac have any history at the hot corner? I have no indication that Andrew played third base in high school or college. He's never played there in the minors. In fact, he's never played even a game there in the minors. All but 9 of his games have come behind the plate, and the 9 were played at first base.

So I like your idea a lot, Boagie. I see almost no risk in it. On the other hand, we need to figure there is a high probability it would fail. You don't think if the Giants felt Andrew could play third base that they wouldn't have had him learning the position over the winter?

It's kind of like Boly's idea of playing Buster at third base and catching Susac. In theory at least it was a FINE idea. It just wasn't going to happen.

I titled this thread the way I did because this is the first time the Giants have seriously mentioned Buster as a possibility to play third base -- THIS SEASON. Not on anything but a small part-time basis. But it would/will be a start.

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[rxmeister]

So negative, Randy! This is not a knock at Casey, it's the realistic stance that you'd rather lose his bat on a given day than Buster or Belt. As for Casey's long term prognosis, I think he was always a one year stop gap. They'll be on the market next year, unless Moncada is ready of course! (Don't wake me!)

[Rog]

Good job of keeping things in perspective, Mark.

Casey could be a one-year stop gap as you mentioned, or he might hang around a little longer, holding down the job until Buster Posey can take it over.

Wait, maybe it will be taken over by Andrew Susac! (Just joking, Boagie.)

[klaiggeb]

Rog, my ears ARE perked! And darned pleased, too!

boly

[Rog]

Boly -- Rog, my ears ARE perked! And darned pleased, too!

Rog -- Say that again, Boly. I couldn't hear you!

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[klaiggeb]

Boagie:

I would disagree with you.

As a long time player and coach IF a player has experience on the left side of the infield, and IF they have a strong arm, the move to 3B is relatively easy and fluid.

Susac has never played in the infield, so yes, though he may be older, those basic "instincts that I pointed out that Posey DOESN'T have behind the plate, Susac will NOT have at 3B.

yes, it can be done, but it would be easier for Posey.

If you've played SS, you can play anywhere.

boly

[Islandboagie]

Maybe you're right, Boly. I didn't explore all those factors before stating my opinion on it.

I'm just not as eager for Posey to switch positions because I believe he's been great at calling games during their 3 championship seasons.

Playing shortstop was also a long time ago for Posey. Since those days he's snapped his achilles tendon, which has probably effected his footwork and range. On bunts or slow rollers to 3rd, the fielder has to go from a stationary position to breaking fast towards the plate, doing that with a repaired achilles worries me.

You're right though, Susac might not be a good option at 3rd, but I still don't believe Posey is either.

I would still like to find a way to get Susac in the lineup on a semi-regular basis. Maybe he can play some left field?

[donk33]

I really don't see Posey playing third...the guy has slowed down big since his college days....by the way, did Posey set a record for the number of times he was thrown out at home in the post season?? or for the whole season??? Glad to hear the report that Sanchez reported to camp in good condition...he is the extra catcher that the Giants were trying to groom to play other positions and they say he did very well....Will Sanchez return as back up catcher and allow Susac one more year in the minors???

[Rog]

Boagie -- Playing shortstop was also a long time ago for Posey. Since those days he's snapped his achilles tendon, which has probably effected his footwork and range. On bunts or slow rollers to 3rd, the fielder has to go from a stationary position to breaking fast towards the plate, doing that with a repaired achilles worries me.

Rog -- I believe it was his ankle, not his Achilles, wasn't it? Either way, I agree with you that Buster would have to play an extra step in to guard against balls hit well in front of him.

Boagie -- You're right though, Susac might not be a good option at 3rd, but I still don't believe Posey is either.

I would still like to find a way to get Susac in the lineup on a semi-regular basis. Maybe he can play some left field?

Rog -- I'm all for trying players anywhere there is a possibility they could play. The problem is that the defensive spectrum goes from shortstop to catcher. As Boly says, a guy who can play shortstop (which Buster no longer can but did for a long, long time), he can usually learn to play just about anywhere. But the natural transition for a catcher is normally to designated hitter or to first base.

Maybe Susac could play left field, but he would almost certainly be a defensive liability there. And the parks in the NL West are roomy.

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[klaiggeb]

Susac is a catcher. That's what he's always been, and frankly, from what I've seen? He's a very, very good one.

Above average arm, outstanding blocking techniques.

It's Posey who should move, and move soon.

Boagie makes a good point about that ankle.

Then again, just BEING a catcher slows you down.

When he's not squatting 4 to 5 days a week, I'm betting he picks up a step or two.

boly

[Islandboagie]

Rog -- I believe it was his ankle, not his Achilles, wasn't it? Either way, I agree with you that Buster would have to play an extra step in to guard against balls hit well in front of him.

Boagie- You're right, I thought he damaged his achilles too, but I guess it was just tendons. Still, it would be difficult to start fast after sustaining that type of damage.

[Rog]

I have mixed feelings about whether Buster should be catching or not. On the positive side, the Giants seem to highly value his leadership at the position. Some of the pitchers seem to particularly like pitching to him. He has shown to be a very good pitch framer, and in fact led the majors in that category last season.

On the negative side, he would certainly would have filled a void before the Giants traded for Casey McGehee, and third base still isn't the Giants' strongest position. I think the biggest negative is the risk of injury, particularly concussions.

I thought Buster could be a much better third baseman than I now see him being. He should show quick hands and a strong arm at third, but I don't think he will show much range.

I could be remembering incorrectly, but I thought when the Giants drafted Susac he was indeed considered to be a strong defender. Small sample, but he threw out 32% of runners last season compared to a league average of 28%. Once again in his small sample, Andrew was no better and probably not as good in avoiding passed balls and wild pitches, even when I felt Buster had his worst season in that regard.

Buster's form may not be good, but his results really aren't bad in that regard.

So it appears Andrew will be an above-average defender. And I'm pretty sure he'll be an above-average hitter for a catcher -- quite possibly by a fair amount. He strikes out too much, but he does draw walks and hit for decent power. His average will be dependent on cutting down his strikeouts. Right now he's probably a .250 hitter, but I think he could grow to .270 or so.

I was surprised that the Giants are projected as the 3rd-worst defensive team this upcoming season. Then again, the outfield is probably below average and the infield may be about average. I personally think the infield is a little better than that, but the outfield probably is worse than most Giants fans think.

The Giants appear to have the depth to withstand a limited amount of injuries. Blanco really isn't a bad outfielder, and although there would be a big drop off from Posey to Susac behind the plate, Andrew is a very good backup catcher. I think Arias on the infield is the least of the three, but he has a very nice history as a starter.

As has been stated here by pretty much everyone, starting pitching is the Giants' biggest concern. They do have possibilities that have been very, very good in the past -- but that was a long time ago. They also have Ryan Vogelsong and Yusmeiro Petit in reserve.

But personally I would be happy if the rotation is much above average. That wouldn't be too bad, since the bullpen is the team's biggest strength. We've been warned about Sergio Romo though, and he is already using caution with h is arm. Then again, I'm not sure that is unusual for him.

Hey, at least we've got some actual action now. And actual spring training games aren't too far away.

[sfgdood]

At the risk of sounding negative yet again...If McGehee is a stop gap, who do we get for 2016? Another stop gap? There's nothing on the farm and Sabean has proven to be absolute garbage at signing top FAs. Forgive me for not being optimistic...not for this year OR the foreseeable future at 3B.

[Rog]

El Dooderino -- At the risk of sounding negative yet again...If McGehee is a stop gap, who do we get for 2016? Another stop gap? There's nothing on the farm and Sabean has proven to be absolute garbage at signing top FAs. Forgive me for not being optimistic...not for this year OR the foreseeable future at 3B.

Rog -- A valid concern, yet perhaps a premature one.

Why is the concern valid? Casey McGehee's track record is exceptionally spotty. In 2010 he drove in 104 runs. In 2013 he couldn't make an MLB roster and played (well) in Japan. Last season he drove in runs (79, something like 22nd in the NL) but had no power (4 home runs). From a corner infielder.

Hard to know which McGehee will show up. He's playing for his favorite team as a kid, so that and a potentially solid free agency contract should motivate him. But since 2010, he's hardly played at a solid starter level.

Last season though, he wasn't bad. He wasn't particularly good either, but his 79 RBI's were three more than recently departed Pablo Sandoval, who is making $14 million more per season.

So McGehee himself could be the third base answer for 2016 and a year or two beyond. There isn't really much in the system. Top contender Adam Duvall has power but neither consistent contact nor a strong glove. 2013 first round pick Christian Arroyo is presently playing shortstop, but will likely wind up at 2nd or 3rd. And he's probably three years or four years away. Which could be good timing if McGehee were to get a 2- or 3-year extension.

Beyond that, the Giants could trade as they did for McGehee himself.

Juan Uribe seems the best fit on the free agent market. He's 36 years old but has been better than Pablo Sandoval the past two seasons. It is virtually impossible that fellow 36-year-old Adrian Beltre will make a stop by the Bay en route to the Hall of Fame.

36-year-old Aramis Ramirez has had a very fine career, and 31-year-old David Frese might be the most likely of all.

In short, there are likely to be good third basemen available on the free agent market, although the Giants will once again (and likely as far as the eye can see) face too many needs and too little money. That's the way baseball is for all but the very richest of teams.

My guess as the most likely candidate? McGehee himself. With another solid season he could return as a nice option without breaking the bank.

Perhaps the best news is that there may be several free agent candidates, which might keep the market down a bit and closer to the Giants' wheel house. If the Giants' pitching prospects could get back on track, the team's prospects for a trade could improve, as well.

The field is pretty wide open. It is likely opportunities will be there. At this point the Giants can ask for little more.

Hope that helps at least a little bit. Remember, opportunities will be there.

I realize your rejoinder may be yes, but can the Giants afford a solid solution? And the answer, of course, is that we just don't know. It's fun to speculate, but it's probably too soon to worry. The answer could be right under our noses. Or it could be a potential Hall of Famer (very unlikely). Or it could be somewhere in between (Uribe or Freese).

Or it could require a trade, as Angel Pagan and Melky Cabrera did. Your comments on any of the above are more than welcome. But it's likely a bit early to worry about it. We still have a season to play in the meantime.

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[klaiggeb]

Rog---Hard to know which McGehee will show up. He's playing for his favorite team as a kid, so that and a potentially solid free agency contract should motivate him. But since 2010, he's hardly played at a solid starter level.

***boly says***

Not sure if it's a fair comparison or not... but look at the Vogey we had before he went to Japan... and look at the one we got when he came back.

A different perspective?

More drive?

Learned stuff he needed over there that helped him turn the corner?

Really hard to know, but it would be nice if McGehee did some of the same.

The guy still drove in 70+ runs last year, and I'll take that from a guy hitting 6 or 7 hole.

boly

[Rog]

Boly -- The guy still drove in 70+ runs last year, and I'll take that from a guy hitting 6 or 7 hole.

Rog -- It should be mentioned that McGehee was batting cleanup behind Mike Stanton last season, so he had plenty of RBI chances. But it should also be mentioned that he was batting cleanup.

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