Buster Posey: The Giant’s charm – Part 2
As a Rookie, Buster Posey left no one unimpressed. Before his first month as a Rookie ended, Buster had a 21 game hitting spree that was just one game short of McCovey’s 1959 Rookie record. He was the glue that kept the Giants together in the time when they
were suffering. He finished off his first year in Major League Baseball with a .305 average and a slugging percentage of .505, 23 doubles and two triples in the duration of 443 plate appearances while striking out only 55 times was how he finished off the
season.
In Game 4 of the Division Series, Buster was the one who scored the winning run that sent the San Francisco Giants to the National League Championship Series where they faced off with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Giants managed to capture the Pennant after
several plays by Posey which left manager, Bruce Bochy a catcher himself and praising Posey constantly.
What was most noted during his performances with the Giants in the final stages of last year’s season was how he never faltered under pressure and actually ended up exceeding expectations by performing even better. In today’s baseball, experienced players
with Hall of Fame worthy careers can’t seem to show the consistency and the ability to perform under pressure. Alex Rodriguez is the most notable example. A bona fide hitter without a doubt by but Alex is someone who crumbles under pressure. To be as young
as Posey and mastering the art of remaining cool and collected in high pressure situation is just one of the factors that make Posey invaluable.
In the duration of his still very young Major League career, Posey hasn’t let himself get affected by the unnecessary fame that seems to get too many of players in baseball. He has never caused and unnecessary scandals or controversy and is very businesslike
when on the field. Even in the World Series celebrations, Posey tried to remain under the radar and avoided any extra meetings with the media.
Posey has already been envisioned as a team leader, even though he may be young he doesn’t seem to lack any sort of maturity. Posey isn’t afraid to take charge on their field and it is this quality that make his resemblance to Derek Jeter, the face of the
New York Yankees almost inevitable.
As soon as Bochy took him under his capable wing, his defence, control catching increased dramatically. Bochy trusted him to pitch at the most crucial of times in the Pennant race, and he never failed to impress or make Bochy doubt his unwavering faith in
him.
As a hitter he has blossomed and confident in himself. Veteran and accomplished pitcher Roy Oswalt praised him and said that whatever he offered Buster knew how to counter. He is more than disciplined in his hitting and doesn’t try too hard, unlike some
of the other hitters out there and may be that is where the key to his success lies.
The injury that has gotten him out for the rest of the season is definitely an irreplaceable loss for the Giants, and one has to wonder whether they’ll be able to make it to the World Series without Posey in the line-up when he had such a profound effect
on the team last time around.
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