Buster Posey Suffers Broken Ankle

Added on May 26, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

The nasty home plate collision between Buster Posey and Scott Cousins in the 12th inning of last night’s Giants-Marlins game resulted in a broken ankle bone for Posey. The injury occurred as Cousins raced to score the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly. Posey blocked the plate, while Cousins lowered his shoulder and plowed forward, causing Posey’s ankle and leg to bend backwards.

A MRI is scheduled for today that could reveal torn ligaments, although at this point nothing has been confirmed by the team. A broken bone could be a 6-8 week injury or a season-ender, depending on the severity of the fracture and area surrounding the break.

Posey, the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year, was vital to the Giants improbable run to a World Series title last year. He finished his freshman campaign with a .305 average, 18 home runs and 67 RBI. In addition, he hit .288 with 17 hits in 15 postseason games. In 2011, Posey is batting .284 with 4 homers and 21 RBI. He’s started 45 of 46 games thus far.

Should he miss significant time, backup Eli Whiteside will become the team’s primary catcher. The 31-year-old Whiteside is batting .200 in 14 games this season and is a career .231 hitter. He’s likely not a longterm answer behind the plate, so additional help could be brought aboard.

One logical candidate to fill the void is ex-Giant Bengie Molina, who is currently a free agent. Molina spent three-plus seasons by the Bay before being traded to Texas last June. He is a career .274 hitter and won a World Series with the Angels in 2002.

Needless to say, if Posey is shelved for the season, the chances of San Francisco defending their championship are lessened. Posey is one of the best at his position and despite his young age, a clubhouse leader and fan favorite.

The Giants lead the NL West by 2.5 games over Arizona. They finish a three-game series with Florida today, then hit the road for seven days.

Source: ESPN.com