2009 San Francisco Giants: Catcher
A Look at the Men Behind the Dish
For several years now, the National League West has been considered the weakest division in baseball. There has not been a perennial powerhouse in the division for quite sometime, leaving the door open for any team to take the division crown. If the Giants are to contend this season it will be on the strength of their pitching staff, and a lot of their success will be attributed to the guys calling the pitches. The Giants have some depth and talent at this position, both offensively and defensively.
The Starter: Bengie Molina
Molina is entering the third and final year of his contract with the Giants. The veteran backstop has had two wonderful offensive seasons in a row with the team. In 2007, Molina clubbed a career-high 19 home-runs and drove in 81 runs. In, 2008 Molina had a career best 95 RBIs and hit .292 for the season. Molina’s clutch hitting with the Giants has earned him the nickname “Big Money Molina.” In addition to his bat, Molina has provided excellent durability, defense, and pitch calling behind the plate. In his two seasons, Molina has thrown out 49% of would be base stealers, and has played in 265 out of a possible 324 games. After Molina’s arrival in 2007, the Giants have seen a decrease in team ERA. In addition to his work on the field, Molina is also a leader in the clubhouse. Molina has won the coveted Willie Mac Award two years in a row. The award is given to the most inspirational Giants player, and is voted on by the players and coaches. Molina’s presence on and off the field has a positive effect on the team. However, should the Giants fall out of contention by July, look for the Giants to trade Molina. Molina’s contract expires at the end of the year, and there are several teams who would be interested in having a catcher of Molina’s caliber. It would also be a nice reward for Molina to play for a contender should the Giants flounder.
The Back Ups: Pablo Sandoval and Steve Holm
Pablo Sandoval made an immediate splash after being on called up on August 14, 2008. In his brief stint in the Majors, Sandoval hit .345 in 41 games, amassing 50 hits in 145 at bats. This sample is relatively small, but Sandoval proceeded to .396 with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs in 52 games in the Venezuelan Winter League. Sandoval can hit, there is no question about that, but finding his best fit for the team may prove to be difficult. The durable Molina misses very few games, limiting the amount of time Sandoval will get behind the plate. Additionally, Sandoval is a versatile defender, and is slated as the Giants opening day third baseman. If Sandoval struggles defensively at third, he will be moved to first base. The Giants need his bat in the lineup everyday, but finding him consistent playing time at any one position may prove to be difficult. Sandoval may spell Molina once in a while, but his versatility at other positions may prevent him from getting time behind the plate.
With Sandoval roaming around the diamond, the Giants may be forced to carry three catchers on the opening day roster. If that is the case, all signs point to Steve Holm being the third catcher on the team. Holm proved to be a capable backup hitting .262 and catching in 49 games. Holm does not have the throwing ability of Molina or Sandoval, but he is a solid defender and a good pitch caller. With Sandoval and Molina ahead of him, Holm may not start many games, but he may finish a few. Molina’s lack of speed will cause manager Bruce Bochy to pinch run for him late in games. Don’t be surprised to see Steve Holm catch late in games should Bochy be forced to pinch run for Molina.
The Prospect: Buster Posey
Posey was the Giants first-round draft pick in 2008. Posey is unlikely to make the roster out of spring training, but he is a symbol of the organization’s commitment to retooling the farm system. Posey has only played ten games at the professional level, and the Giants do not want to rush him to the Majors. If, and only if, Molina is traded midseason would Posey make an appearance for the Giants. Posey is young and relatively inexperienced at the catching position, but his talent and aptitude for the game are evident.
The catcher position for the Giants is rock solid both defensively and offensively.
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