Posey getting in shape, passing on knowledge

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Looking around the clubhouse, it’s hard to believe that Buster Posey is the Giants’ wise old veteran.

For the Giants’ faithful, Posey remains forever young, a modernday Mickey Mantle who still appears to have a tenuous relationship with his razor.

But in that clubhouse, there’s no denying Posey’s tenure. Starting his 10th full season with the team, the Giants’ cornerstone oozes experience. And he’s ready to share it with the next generation.

Posey sat down with The Chronicle recently to talk about this stage of a stellar career. He’s done it all in baseball. Rookie of

“It’s definitely different. There’s still excitement. But I think now, especially coming off the surgery, it’s about making sure I prepare in the right way.” Buster Posey, Giants catcher, on his preparations for the season after hip surgery

the Year. Six-time All-Star. Three titles. MVP. Batting title. Gold Glove.

Buster Ballgame has had a hell of a ride. And he’s only 31.

Does he still get excited every spring?

“It’s definitely different. There’s still excitement. But I think now, especially coming off the (offseason hip) surgery, it’s about making sure I prepare in the right way,” said Posey. “In your first couple of years, it’s all about making an impression. Trying to treat it almost as a trial, in a sense, to impress the people that make the decisions that get you out onto that field.

“I think it’s changed in that sense, to where I’m just trying to make sure I’m in the best mind-set and peak physical position to be ready Opening Day.”

To make that happen, Giants manager Bruce Bochy is playing it safe with his future Hall of Famer. Posey won’t catch any games before March 1. For now, he’s catching bullpen sessions at the team’s Scottsdale facility and spreading his vast knowledge of the game.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The Giants’ have plenty of other veteran players in the dugout. Madison Bumgarner and Pablo Sandoval have been with Posey for most of the ride. Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija have logged a lot of big-league miles. And Brandon Crawford is a solid veteran presence.

But Posey is whom young Giants seek out. Steven Duggar, gearing up for his second season in the team’s outfield, told me he regularly goes to Posey for advice. Young catcher Joey Bart, the No. 2 pick in the draft last year, is also learning at the master’s shin guards.

For Posey, it’s all about doing the right thing. Doing right by the game. It wasn’t that long ago that he was in the same place.

“I think Bengie Molina made it really easy on me. I was in a similar position as Joey Bart is in now coming in as a high pick, and a high bonus,” Posey said. “Bengie was a little older than I am now, but he was coming in toward the end. He was just so welcoming.

“I never felt that there was any resentment or jealousy. … We were able to talk the game. I still stay in touch with him to this day. I’m very appreciative of him making that first time in big-league camp memorable.”

A decade or more later, Posey is paying that kindness forward. That’s not lost on Bart, who’s expected to play at Class A San Jose this season, just as Buster did back in the day.

“I think I couldn’t have been put in a better position,” said Bart, who’s listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. “It’s like a family . ... I’m just trying to learn all I can.”

Posey gives the young catcher advice, “some not even being baseball-related,” Bart said. “We’ve also had some good baseball talks, as well. I’m kind of learning everything, which is lucky on my part.”

Posey sees it as part of the job. Teaching the next generation.

“Definitely. Yeah, definitely,” Posey said. “Hopefully, I still have a few good years under my belt. But, yeah, you for sure can (help young players). That’s what it’s all about.”

There’s a sense of nostalgia surrounding this Giants team. We know that Bochy is managing his last season. We don’t know how much longer Bumgarner will be around. Sandoval’s nearing the end of the road. And Posey? The heart and soul of San Francisco’s championship era is on the back stretch, coming off a serious hip procedure.

We’ll see if the old guard can summon another magical season. Anything’s possible in the bright sunshine of Arizona.

However this season turns out, rest assured that the next generation of Giants are seeing how it’s done. Learning from the best.

“Maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to teach some more guys some stuff,” Bart said. “I hope so; that would be awesome.”

Matt York / Associated Press The Giants’ Buster Posey (center), starting his 10th full season with the team, is helping younger players learn the ropes.

Matt York / Associated Press Posey is a six-time All-Star who has won three titles, a batting crown and a Gold Glove. He’s also been named MVP.

Matt York / Associated Press Buster Posey is back at work at the Giants’ Scottsdale, Ariz., facility and spreading his wisdom.