As Major League Baseball continues to evolve into a numbers-driven corporation, not everyone is willing to abandon tradition. Not spreadsheets or analytics, but the continued presence of a legend is fueling excitement in San Francisco, where the Giants have quietly emerged as one of 2025’s surprise success stories.
In a recent Foul Territory video on X, Giants special advisor Jeff Berry stated that Buster Posey, not sophisticated stats, sets the tone in the clubhouse.
“I think the secret is that we got good players,” Berry told reporters. “I believe the tone is set by the players and Buster Posey’s leadership, rather than by math. “I believe it is due to leadership and the humanity of the sport.”
Stats Aren’t Everything
Posey’s strategy may appear out of date in an era when post-game discussions revolve around “expected batting average” and “barrel rates,” but it is undeniably successful.
The Giants are currently tied for third place in the National League West, with a 19-12 mark. The club began the season with grit, cohesion, and consistency, all of which are hallmarks of Posey’s playing days, despite the fact that many observers predicted they would finish in the middle of the pack at best.
The former catcher and three-time World Series champion has returned to the team as a co-owner and front-office member. He is not just a ceremonial figure. Posey appears to have been heavily involved in player development and culture building behind the scenes, emphasizing accountability, mental toughness, and game sense—all of which analytics typically overlook.
And, while the analytics movement has provided undeniable benefits to MLB, not everyone is in agreement. Former Nationals slugger Jayson Werth put the growing pushback in colorful terms:
“Yeah, f**k math. “The twirlybirds are attempting to ruin the sport,” he said on “Foul Territory” with Berry.
Is San Francisco Legit?
Though some critics have dismissed the Giants’ strong start as a fluke, others believe Posey’s impact is genuine and long-lasting. Under his leadership, San Francisco has made unexpected contributions, played solid defense, and developed clubhouse values that mirror Posey’s no-nonsense professionalism.
As more companies rely on analytics, the Giants may represent a counter-movement that prioritizes experience, intuition, and emotional intelligence over exit velocity. And, if their early success continues, the final decision could be made by Buster Posey rather than a laptop.
Can the Giants maintain their current momentum throughout the season? If Posey has anything to say about it, betting against them is ridiculous.
