Posey a 'franchise catcher,' won't move to third

SAN DIEGO -- No matter how often Giants officials insist that Buster Posey won't move to an infield corner spot, they're asked to repeat that it won't happen, at least in the immediate future. Monday gave general manager Brian Sabean another opportunity to debunk thoughts of Posey switching from behind the plate to third base, since the Giants have an opening at the latter position.

"Buster's a catcher," Sabean said. "He's a franchise player, a franchise catcher."

Posey was a shortstop in college at Florida State University but has played exclusively catcher and first base for the Giants.

Sabean also delivered a tribute of sorts to Pablo Sandoval, who created San Francisco's third-base vacancy by signing with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent on Nov. 25 after spending seven seasons with San Francisco.

Asked how the Giants will replace Sandoval's presence in the clubhouse, Sabean said, "I don't know. He brought a lot of energy. He loved playing the game. He'll be missed on and off the field."

Sabean expressed the belief that finding alternatives at third base and in left field might be easier for the Giants through trades instead of free agency.