Buster Posey tried to watch every San Francisco Giants baseball game he could last year, but he was busy.
Most of her energy was spent caring for four children, especially two adopted twin girls who were born eight weeks premature last summer. But he also found a useful way to keep his arm in shape – by lifting his very tight diapers and throwing them at his 9-year-old son, Lee, while running for cover.
“You really have to make sure you have the right diaper weight,” Posey said after the Giants’ first official practice on Wednesday. “Depending on how well they ate, that plays a lot into my accuracy and whether it’s equivalent to the weight of a baseball. Take all of that into account, no matter what type of formula they have, whether they’re eating baby food or not.” – And yes, I was pretty accurate. “
Posey, who participated in the 2020 season shortened by COVID-19, mainly out of concern for his newly adopted daughters, is heading into the 2021 season with unknown uncertainty. By the opening day, he will be 34 years old, entering his 11th and potential season as the Giants’ daily catcher. Posey’s $ 167 million contract includes a $ 22 million club option for 2022, but the Giants also have a promising youngster in Joey Bart, who was drafted second overall in 2018 to replace him. One day on Posey for a long time.
“Yeah, sure, it crossed my mind,” Posey said of the possibility of his last season with the Giants. “I think for me, my biggest goal this year is really – as cliché as it is – to go one day at a time and try to focus on what needs to be done for that day, no matter what. whether it’s weight work in the room or in the cage or whatever. And try not to go too far. “
The last time Posey came out on the field, he came out of hip surgery and fought in the 2019 season, eventually beating .257 / .320 / .368 with seven homers and 24 doubles in 114 games. In the previous seven seasons, he made six All-Star teams, won an MVP award and beat .308 / .378 / .466 while averaging 16 homers, 31 doubles and 141 games on year.
Gabe Kapler, the Giants manager, said in mid-December that Posey will return as the team’s top catcher in 2021, giving 24-year-old Bart more time to develop after a difficult season in 2020.
Posey had access to Oracle Park when the team was not there last summer and used the facilities to train regularly. He acknowledged that it may take some time to adjust to live pitching again, but said he believes his body is in good enough condition to withstand the rigors of another season. He missed the competition.
“It’s beautiful,” Posey said of returning to the game. “Is different. Look at what we’re doing now [conducting an interview over video conference] — It’s not the same. You’re still in masks, so it’s obvious and different. There is also normalcy. It is normal to sit on the foul line and lie down. Playing catch, catching pens. Yes, it is great to be back, and hopefully, as this vaccine continues to unfold, we will all be able to experience the game as we are used to. “