Ross Praises Posey for ‘calmness' Behind Plate

CHICAGO — Two years ago, while answering a question during a postseason media scrum, Jake Peavy gave a long speech about Buster Posey. He had been asked about his improvement upon being traded to the Giants, and he credited much of it to Posey, a “special player.” Peavy said Posey was a premium hitter with a “David Ross-type of mind” behind the plate, which was high praise given the pitcher’s close relationship with the popular veteran, his teammate in Boston. 

On Thursday, Ross, now in his final season, was asked what stands out about Posey. The 39-year-old hit on a trait that is important to Posey’s pitchers. 

“When you get into game-calling it so unique to each catcher and pitcher, but what I notice with Buster is there’s a calmness about him,” Ross said. “Close pitches, borderline calls, he doesn’t show a whole lot of emotion hitting or catching. He just is on to the next pitch, and I think that’s a veteran thing. That’s something you can tell (watching him). You've got to let the negative things go, whatever it is.

“If you start complaining and lose your focus on one pitch and want to be upset at the umpire or the catcher for not (framing) it right or whoever it is, then you lose that focus on what you’re trying to do. You get distracted. I just notice a real calmness about Buster when he’s behind the plate.”

Posey and Ross are the starting catchers for Game 1. Ross is 1-for-4 against Johnny Cueto, and Posey is 5-for-16 against Jon Lester with a homer. The big difference for the two catchers will come in the running game. Posey doesn't have to worry much when catching Cueto, who does such a great job of controlling runners that only seven tried to steal on him this season. Four were successful. On the other side, Lester gave up 28 stolen bases in 41 attempts. 

--- From your web this morning, here's the NLDS roster.  And here's what was said during Thursday's "workout day." Joe Maddon had quite a bit to say. 

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