Posey shares credit for pitchers' success
Catcher was behind plate for Giants' three consecutive shutouts
SAN FRANCISCO -- It follows that when a pitching staff excels, the catcher is at least a secondary source for the success, given his integral part in their collaboration. Thus, when questioned about the subject Wednesday, Giants manager Bruce Bochy and pitching coach Dave Righetti freely acknowledged catcher Buster Posey's role in the Giants' run of formidable pitching.
Posey caught San Francisco's three consecutive shutouts entering Wednesday, when Andrew Susac took over behind the plate for the series finale against San Diego. According to a formula incorporating various factors, fangraphs.com rated Posey as the Major Leagues' fourth-most efficient catcher, tied with Kansas City's Salvador Perez.
"I've always said that the catcher should get a lot of credit for what happens in a game with the pitcher," said Bochy, a former big league catcher. "They rely on each other. The catcher can help establish the pace and the rhythm for the pitcher. Game-calling, framing [pitches], all of those things -- Buster has led the way with our success."
Righetti noted pitchers develop an "air of confidence" when they excel consistently. Posey, Righetti added, is adept at maintaining that attitude.
"He has a demeanor about him that you really want from your catcher," Righetti said. "[Pitchers] want their guys totally prepared, on the same page as them and want their all into the game, so there's always that kind of trust."
With Posey, Righetti said, "They know they're getting a guy who pays attention."
• Bochy hinted that right fielder Hunter Pence, who's recovering from a fractured left forearm, could begin an injury rehabilitation assignment after he takes batting practice Thursday and is evaluated physically. The same goes for right-hander Jake Peavy, who's scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday.