Buster Posey Hopes San Francisco Giants Stay in Win Now Mode
By Michael Saltzman
![SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 19: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants gets ready in the dugout before their game against the Miami Marlins at AT&T Park on June 19, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 19: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants gets ready in the dugout before their game against the Miami Marlins at AT&T Park on June 19, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Faroundthefoghorn-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F978892278-850x560-808520895a0343c80796050cf51cc92e.jpg)
The San Francisco Giants hired new team president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, with the intent to be more patient about building a winning team.
Much like his attitude when he throws out base stealers, franchise player Buster Posey “ain’t having it.”
Patience might be what Zaidi was used to on the other side of the Bay Area, but in San Francisco, that approach is not sitting well with the veterans.
Posey has been surprisingly public and vocal about his desire to win in 2019 and he has made him opinion known in multiple ways.
While usually very benign in interviews and on social media, Posey has been using his platform this week to make it clear he wants the Giants to do more as the season approaches Spring Training and Opening Day.
That began with him agreeing with the assessment of the current free agent market.
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USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale sent out a tweet earlier in the week expressing his frustration with former Baltimore Orioles outfielder, Adam Jones, still being a free agent.
Posey, who uses his twitter account mostly to share his charity work with local hospitals and shouting out his alma mater, retweeted the comments.
It's shameful that 5-time All-Star outfielder Adam Jones, one of #MLB's greatest ambassadors, role models and clubhouse leaders, still does not have a job this winter. He's still only 33, has produced 25 or more HRs in 7 of the last 8 seasons, and remains an elite player.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2019
Posey and Jones were teammates during the World Baseball Classic for Team USA, so there is a connection. It has also been speculated that maybe it was a push for the Giants to sign the free agent, who plays a position of need for the team.
Then, on Friday, Posey responded to a tweet sent out by MLB Network quoting Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler excited about being in “win now mode.”
Great news for Phils fans. But shouldn’t every team be in a win-right-now mode? What is the point in showing up if you’re not trying to win? Thankful for being in an organization that wants to win! pic.twitter.com/GoDYBYXpEJ
— Buster Posey (@BusterPosey) February 9, 2019
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Posey stated “Great news for Phils fans. But shouldn’t every team be in a win-right-now mode? What is the point in showing up if you’re not trying to win? Thankful for being in an organization that wants to win!”
While the three time World Series champion has only known an organization in win now mode, there have been plenty of talk after two losing seasons that the Giants need to rebuild.
A rebuild would mean a premium on moving veterans for unproven, younger players and much less of a focus on winning baseball games.
It is clear from Posey’s actions online that he is not interested in a long rebuild.
During the team’s Media Day, Posey made it clear that he felt he would be healthy for Opening Day, but more importantly, he felt the team needs to try to play for another run in the post season.
"“Going into year 10, I’ve always felt very fortunate to be a part of an organization that tries to put a team on the field that has a chance to make the playoffs,” Posey said. “To just get in and have that chance to compete in October. I sure hope that’s still the case. I think that’s all I can hope for is that it’s still the case.”"
That word hope stands out, as he is making it clear that winning now is no longer a guarantee in San Francisco.
Posey has shown to be a leader on the field for his play and his ability to work with the pitching staff.
Giants Outfield: Past, Present and Future. Next
It seems now, he is showing his leadership by making it known publicly what he expects of his front office.