Buster Posey? Really?

by Tyler on Apr 30, 2008 11:58 AM EDT

I have to admit, I've scoffed at the idea for a while that Buster Posey was a legit 1/1 pick. I've heard great things about his arm (closer for FSU at times), he is a really good athlete, and he could hit a little. But his ceiling appears to be a possible 10-15 home run guy that might his .300. Which is great for a catcher, but not exactly the ceiling you're looking for with the first overall pick in the draft.

Then I read on Raysbb that a caller with supposed "connections" said that he's in play. Not that he would be the pick, just in play. So I went and looked up his stats and was shocked. His season line for FSU reads like some NAIA line. He's hitting:

.472/.573/.857/1430 with 17 2B, 3 3B, 12 HR. A K/BB of 12/36. He's 4/7 in the SB department.

I guess all I'm saying here is that I'm amending my position. I know college numbers don't translate exactly to pro ball because of the aluminum, but if our scouts think his bat is legit, he could very well be the pick. He's doing this in the ACC, not some crappy conference either. I didn't realize he was hitting so well. I guess that's my fault, but man that line is abusurd.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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I still want Beckham

"I'd hate to leave right when the getting is good." -CC

by Matt Bishoff on Apr 30, 2008 12:03 PM EDT reply actions

i went to FSU, and follow their team

this is his first year playing catcher too, you have to imagine if he’s this good behind the plate this year, what he will be able to do with more time to learn. his power is real, and he is the real deal in all departments. right now he’s a legit candidate for college player of the year, and should be considered a top 5 pick. whether we take him or not, guess that depends on value. we are weak at catcher, organizationally, though Navarro appears to be progressing nicely, and is only 23 (i think), and Jaso is a good hitter (though some people question whether he will be able to remain behind the plate). how high are catchers valued? is a great catcher worth as much as a great SS? most people would probably say no. i personally wouldn’t be mad if we drafted him, seems catchers seem to pull a premium in trades lately. then again, so do shortstops, so….....

by davidsmarch on Apr 30, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

he played catcher last year as well… started freshman year as a short stop, and has caught the last two years with an occasional relief appearance… he bats for both avg and power and has a great arm… honestly i dont have one complaint about him as i attend fsu now and have seen him play for the past 3 years… im not sure id take him with the number 1 pick, but i could see it happening

by ams05g on May 1, 2008 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions

also,

what’s the difference b/t these two SS’s? both named Beckham is kinda and odd coincidence… but what is different as far as their tools and projections go? one is HS, the other is a college player, if all is equal, i tend to lean toward the college player…

by davidsmarch on Apr 30, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions

Tim is really toolsy, Gordon is far less of a tools player.

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 30, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Jim Gaithersburg, Md.: Tim Beckham is the better talent while Gordon B. seems to be closer to being ready for the majors. Which Beckham is a better pick for the Orioles at #4 if both are still there, since they need a SS? Or do you think they’ll go in a different direction?

SportsNation Jim Callis: (2:10 PM ET ) If you’re not going to contend for a while like the Orioles, I think you take the best guy. I’d take Tim over Gordon, even if it takes longer to get him to Baltimore. I think the O’s will be in best-available-talent mode . . . could see them taking San Diego LHP Brian Matusz.

Kevin (DRaysBay): What do you make of the Buster Posey to Tampa Bay rumors?

SportsNation Jim Callis: (2:15 PM ET ) Those rumors are picking up steam. We’ve heard that no one is blowing the Rays away, and they might be inclined to fill their biggest need by taking a catcher in Posey. I like Posey, think he’ll be a solid player, occasional all-star, .275 hitter with 12-15 homers a year, athletic behind the plate. He’s a legit Top 10 pick, I don’t quite see him as a No. 1 pick. But yes, it could happen.

by websterjtc on Apr 30, 2008 2:24 PM EDT reply actions

i could see this happening.

interesting. posey is interesting.

by daveh33 on Apr 30, 2008 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

Honestly, it'd be between Pedro/Timmy/Buster for me.

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 30, 2008 6:17 PM EDT reply actions

I’ve seen Buster Posey quite a few times the last two years, but I don’t really have anything to add that the scouts or stats don’t already say.

He has a great arm and keeps baserunners on caution. His defense was off the first week or two of the season, but I don’t recall him making a mistake since then. I hate to think how the Seminoles will be without him behind the plate (or at the plate).

The HRs I’ve seen of his were no doubt home runs. I caught on my shitty digital camera him hit a 3-run deep homer to right-center (slightly opposite field) off of UM’s (perhaps tired) Kyle Bellamy who had a sub-1 ERA in 30 or so IP.

He has great strike-zone judgment as evidenced by the BB-to-K ratio. He’s not a hacker like Tony Thomas would fall victim to.

by ultxmxpx on Apr 30, 2008 10:44 PM EDT reply actions