Posey's first spring hit an opposite field home run

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Breaking News Alert: Buster Posey canstill hit.Posey sent a Tony Sipp fastball the other way for his first hit and first homerun of the spring in the sixth inning of the Giants 2-2 tie with the IndiansWednesday.With nobody on and two outs, Posey sent a 1-1 pitch down theright-field line, his first solid contact in nine Cactus League at-bats. It barely cleared the wall 360 feet away and almost hookedfoul. It stayed fair, though, meaning Posey didnt have to test his surgicallyrehabilitated ankle as he leisurely trotted around the bases at ScottsdaleStadium.Posey downplayed the importance of his first big fly since April 24, 2011 afterthe game.

I still think its just about getting ready and preparationand getting at-bats and seeing pitches and trying to work on timing as much as anything,Posey said. I feel like Im seeing the ball, so thats No. 1. With his first spring hit out of the way, the next step forPosey is to get more innings behind the plate. He was manager Bruce Bochysdesignated hitter Wednesday, but will catch on Friday after taking the day offThursday.Bochy thinks that by getting Posey some extra at bats inminor league spring games, he can get his catcher 50 at bats by March 23rdor 24th. I think I've been lucky as far as not having any setbacks --I dont know if I need to knock on wood or what, Posey said. Weve got agameplan the rest of the way through. I feel like Ill be ready on April 6.