Posey eases naturally into his dream job

The timing of Buster Posey's 2010 debut at catcher worked out perfectly, in logistics and historical significance.

On the practical side: Bengie Molina caught 10 innings the day before in Pittsburgh, and Barry Zito's turn in the rotation came up Monday in Cincinnati. The 32-year-old lefty is believed to be the easiest member of the staff to catch, partly because of his seniority and experience in different batteries, and partly because his fastball doesn't have the velocity and complex movements that Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain put into theirs.

The historical significance: Posey donned the mask on the day of the amateur draft, two years after the Giants chose him at No. 5 to provide a big bat and become their catcher of the future. On Monday, Posey crouched where he was meant to be, at the position he clearly prefers, and in a job that he would avoid if he paid attention to his financial future.

Posey's commitment to playing behind the plate may be as impressive as any of his athletic skills. He could have settled in at first base or moved to the outfield, focused on his hitting, kept his body fresh and possibly extended his career by three or four years. But no, he wants to squat.

Posey is either oblivious or indifferent to the fact that catchers routinely rank lower on the average salary scale than anyone but relief pitchers. Occasionally, second basemen slip a few thousand dollars behind catchers.

Joe Mauer's contract extension will lift the average to another level when it goes into effect next year, paying him $181 million over eight years. But it won't be enough for his colleagues to surpass first basemen, who topped the list with a $7.39 million average, compared with $4.07 million for catchers.

None of this year's top 25 salaries belongs to a catcher. Jorge Posada leads the group at $13.1 million, which is chump change for the Yankees. Mauer's deal is the 21st $100 million-plus contract in baseball, and the first for a catcher. Every other position had already placed someone in the $100 million club except second base, and even that spot hadn't been entirely shut out. Alfonso Soriano started out as a second baseman, then became an outfielder before the Cubs showered him with cash.

There are other quantifiable deterrents, such as the relatively low numbers in the Hall of Fame. With 17 inductees, catchers lead only third basemen (13) among everyday position players.

But the biggest turnoff should be the stress, both physical and psychological. Catchers are the running backs of baseball. They get old faster than anybody else.

They often have to be held back longer, too. Up to now, Posey's ambitions have yielded to the interests of Lincecum and Cain, and the rapport that the young pitchers have with Molina. But Posey has been steadfast in his preference. He wants the job that requires him to cater to other stars.

When he signed with the Giants two years ago, holding out for a $6.2 million bonus ($50,000 higher than what No. 1 pick Tim Beckham received), Posey seemed to have a businessman's mind-set. There's nothing wrong with that; he was becoming a professional.

But he has erased any suspicions that cash considerations weigh into his choices on the field. Posey could end up being the next Mauer, able to handle the rigors of catching, yet still win batting titles and score Derek Jeter money. If that's his goal, it's an admirable one. It would be simpler for him to take first base and chase the batting titles and Derek Jeter money. But he's not looking for simplicity.

E-mail Gwen Knapp at gknapp@sfchronicle.com.

This article appeared on page B - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle