Is it time for the San Francisco Giants to move Buster Posey to first base? That time is sooner than you might think.
San Francisco Giants catcher, Buster Posey, had surgery on August 27 to fix a torn labrum in his hip. The operation is six to eight months recovery to time, but he is on track to return by spring training.
The hip injury caused Posey to lose the power in his swing. While Posey is not a big home run hitter, but you can tell he had little to no power last year only hitting five home runs. Having an injured hip robs you of using your legs in your swing.
Posey is two years into his contract extension. He is due to make $21.4 million the next three season. Posey will turn 32 in March, and the Giants need to be smart in how they use him coming off big-time hip surgery.
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I think it is time for the Giants to move Buster Posey to first base. I know Posey does not have the power numbers you expect from your corner infielders, but coming off surgery it is critical the Giants be cautious with his hip.
With his hip fixed, Posey’s power numbers will go up a bit, and playing first base will keep his legs fresh. In the long run, it could extend Posey’s career.
If the Giants were to do this, they would probably have to try and trade first baseman, Brandon Belt. There are already rumors of Belt being available this offseason. If the Giants do stick with Posey at catcher they will have to be very smart about it, giving him days off and a lot of time at first base to protect his hip.
It will be interesting to see how the Giants will handle Posey this season, but I am sure Bruce Bochy, and Posey, will be smart about what to do so that Buster Posey can get back to his MVP form.