Day One: 3-for-4, three RBI.
Day Two: 3-for-5, two doubles, one RBI.
Yes, Buster Posey’s phenomenal season debut has been nothing short of sensational. Heck, I’ve already heard Giants brass refer to Posey as “the Savior” or “the Messiah.”
But who could really blame them?
Following a 1-6 road trip that included a five-game losing streak, the Giants were in dire need of offense. They combined to score one run in the entire series versus the Oakland A’s. The last time the Giants were held to one run in a three-game series dates back to their days in New York.
Sure, the Giants needed some pop. In their desperation, they experimented with different lineups and even sent Aubrey Huff to left field to make room in the infield.
Now they’ve finally answered the outcry of Giants fans, and Buster Posey has arrived in a big way. In two games, he’s helped paced the Giants to two wins and captured the attention of the Bay.
Posey has been the messiah.
With his two-game performance, it’s only natural to expect more of Posey.
The problem is, it’s only been two games—and Posey is only a rookie, not Joe Mauer.
Sky-high expectations of Posey are simply unfair.
Despite 17 at-bats last year, Posey is a rookie. Expecting too much of a rookie is unwise, considering adjustment to the big leagues is crucial in their quest to become regulars. However, Posey can take solace in playing in San Francisco as compared to the media giants of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.
Posey has already stated the high expectations do not affect him. Unfortunately, fans often forget ballplayers have feelings. I find it hard to believe Posey has simply dodged the high expectations.
More so, the Giants’ offensive woes have prompted fans to embrace anyone who gives the team even the slightest boost (a la Andres Torres). Unfortunately, Posey is not the bat fans have long awaited.
Unless the Giants trade for a bat such as Prince Fielder, it’s going to take a multitude of quality bats to solve the Giants’ offensive puzzle.
Posey is only a piece of this puzzle, not the final piece.
As far as his season debut, it’s obvious he’s not going to hit over .700 forever. Heck, nowadays even hitting over .400 is unrealistic. He’s simply on fire, plain and simple.
What Giants fans can look forward to, however, is his on-base percentage, which hovered well over .400 in the minor leagues. In a lineup of free-swinging Giants, Posey will be welcomed. Again, though, he probably isn’t capable of singlehandedly transforming the team.
The best way I can sum it all up is like this: Put yourself in the shoes of Buster Posey. All these expectations and names are put on you, and you are expected to produce day in and day out as a rookie. You are one person, not the whole team. Is it possible to save an entire lineup by yourself?
This is what Buster Posey is faced with. An anemic offense combined with a desperate fanbase has created unfair and unrealistic expectations of…a rookie.
Don’t be mistaken—Posey has Joe Mauer potential (with less power). But a little bit of space and time to grow will allow Posey to earn the title of “The Messiah.”
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com