San Francisco Giants star Buster Posey isn’t the most outspoken athlete you’ll find on social media, but he certainly had an interesting, if not awkwardly timed thought to share on Friday.
The post that caught everyone’s attention was a response to a tweet quoting Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler. In said tweet, Kapler discussed how Philadelphia’s trade for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto cemented that they’re going all-in to win in 2019 and beyond.
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Posey, who’s been part of three championship teams with the Giants during his career but has also played on three losing teams since 2013, chimed in by praising his organization for never straying from the “win-now” mode.View image on Twitter
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!5,9481:56 AM – Feb 9, 20191,576 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy
The tweet got a favorable response from Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins.
Well said!! Fans want to see the best players on the field, and players want to compete against the best players. Win-win for everybody, and at the end of the day everyone likes winning!Buster Posey✔@BusterPoseyGreat 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!2,8255:50 AM – Feb 9, 2019 · St Petersburg, FLTwitter Ads info and privacy320 people are talking about this
Others were quick to point out that the Giants haven’t exactly backed up Posey’s pride-filled words through their actions this winter. In fact, the Giants only truly significant deal this offseason under new president Farhan Zaidi has been re-signing left-handed pitcher Derek Holland.
Holland, 32, received a one-year, $7 million deal from San Francisco after posting a 3.57 ERA over 36 appearances (30 starts) in 2018. It’s probably not a move that will hurt San Francisco. That is, unless Holland proves to be more like the 2015-2017 version of himself that posted a collective 5.50 ERA over 301 innings. But it’s also far from an inspiring move for a team that’s finished a combined 50 games under .500 over the last two seasons.
The Giants were also reported to be shopping Madison Bumgarner this winter, which doesn’t constitute a “win-now” agenda. After shedding salary over the last 12 months to get under the luxury tax, the Giants have gotten further away from the Los Angeles Dodgers while also clearly falling behind the Colorado Rockies in the National League West.
Granted, injuries and worst-than-anticipated contracts have played a role too. But based on all the factors involved, it could be argued the Giants are currently closer to “tanking” mode than “win-now” mode.
Perhaps that’s about to change. We’ve heard that the Giants met with Bryce Harper earlier this week. That puts them in the running, but it’s still unclear what type of offer San Francisco is willing to make or what offers Harper is even considering.
We do know that Posey was part of the pitch to bring Harper to San Francisco. Perhaps being part of the meeting is a reason why Posey is feeling so good about the Giants’ outlook. Either way, the Giants will have to get some work done soon if Posey’s comments are to ring true in 2019.
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