Major League Baseball

Giants recall C Posey, sign Burrell to minor deal

Published May. 30, 2010 12:27 a.m. ET

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Buster Posey figured something might be in the works when he was asked to play first base the past few games for the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Fresno.

``I thought that was kind of weird,'' Posey said before Saturday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. ``I didn't have any expectations though.''

Posey, the Giants' first-round pick in the 2008 draft as a catcher, was promoted to the big leagues and penciled into the sixth spot in the batting order as manager Bruce Bochy looks to charge the offense.

``I'm mostly excited, but there are a few butterflies,'' Posey said. ``I'm ready to get going. This is where everybody in the minors wants to be. I'm going to try to keep it as simple as possible.''

Fresno manager Steve Decker, the former major league catcher, told Posey of the promotion.

``It was after our game in Salt Lake last night,'' Posey said. ``I tried to get some sleep but that wasn't happening. I flew out here this morning.''

Bochy said the 23-year-old converted shortstop would get his chance to catch at this level.

``He'll getting plenty of opportunities behind the plate,'' Bochy said. ``Right now, he'll primarily be at first base. Hopefully he'll help the offense and help us win ballgames.''

Right-hander Waldis Joaquin was optioned to Triple-A Fresno to make way for Posey. The Giants also have signed free agent outfielder Pat Burrell to a minor league contract.

The 33-year-old Burrell, the former Phillies slugger who grew up in the Bay Area, was designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays on May 15.

``He'll join the club in Salt Lake,'' Bochy said. ``We see this as adding a valuable player off the bench. He'll get some at bats as a DH or in the outfield. We'll see how the next 10 days go.''

Burrell struggled during a stint with the Rays that began two months after he helped the Phillies beat Tampa Bay in the 2008 World Series. He batted .221 with 14 homers and 64 RBIs in 2009, while making the transition from everyday outfielder to designated hitter.

Burrell was hitting .202 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 24 games this season. He was 2 for 25 with no extra-base hits or RBIs in May and batted .053 (1 for 19) against left-handers.

Posey hit .118 (2 for 17) in seven games with the Giants last September. He was hitting .349 in 47 games for Fresno this year.

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