Bring Around the Posey

The Giants are being way too cautious with first-round draft pick Buster Posey. I'm hearing a lot of talk about how GM Brian Sabean and other Giants brass see Posey starting the year in the minors.

Why?

This kid is ready, and with Bengie Molina on the free-agent block, now is as good a time as any to see what the bonus baby can do as an every day, major-league starter behind the plate.

Obviously, Posey isn't ready to catch 162 games in 2010 (or even 140 for that matter). But that's where manager Bruce Bochy, a former catcher, and veteran receiver Eli Whiteside come in. Set up a schedule, pace him along, but don't coddle him.

Posey will be 23 on Opening Day. Make him the starter and make him the regular catcher. Let the kid build some confidence and develop a rapport with the club's fine young pitching staff. And let him fail, too, so he can learn from his mistakes. But don't say he's not ready.