Girardi on the Yankees’ laughable catching situation:
“There is no formula for our catching right now, but we believe we have a group of guys who can get the job done. It’s easy to measure numbers, but sometimes what really gets overlooked is how many runs a catcher can save, and whether or not the pitchers enjoy throwing to them. We believe we have catchers who fit that, and they will be productive in their own way.”
Since the front office has absolutely and unequivocally punted on getting any offensive production from its catcher position, they are now trying to sell to the fans that they have catching versions of Ozzie Smith.
Chris Stewart does have a good defensive reputation, so we’ll leave him alone. However, since when has Francisco Cervelli been regarded as a good defender? How about ‘never’.
He’s thrown out 20% of basestealers during his big league action, compared to a league average of 27%. The Fielding Bible also ranked him as a below-average threat to runners on the basepaths.
In addition, the Fielding Bible ranked him as below-average when it comes to saving runs in general.
But hey, maybe the pitchers “enjoying throwing to him” like Joe said. Maybe they’re all friends on Facebook, or they wear each other’s sweaters out to the club if it’s chilly and one guy only has a T-shirt. And then there’s the fist pumps. Fist pumps!
8 Comments
keith February 5, 2013 22:03
If there was ever a doubt that Girardi was behind the catching “plan” (including dumping Montero), this seals it. Torre taught him well.
commerce February 11, 2013 19:33
That’s a stretch–to get a very young stud starter and an equally young top-of-the-M’s pitching prospect, someone had to move. No one in the Yankee org liked Jesus as a receiver–maybe unfair, but true.
Chris Stewart February 6, 2013 03:40
thanks for leaving me alone.
Ki m Last February 7, 2013 15:45
Lumps
Mr. Statistics February 6, 2013 09:03
Quoting intangibles like pitchers “enjoying” throwing to a catcher vs. quantifying the outcomes seems counter intuitive to The Binder himself. Maybe Joe had a change of heart. Or a brain transplant.
duvaldo February 6, 2013 18:17
Ummm, didn’t Cervelli primarily catch AJ Burnett during his stint at the ML level? I am willing to give him a bit more rope catching guys who can actually reach the plate consistently before I judge his defense.
Steve Balboni's Bastard February 7, 2013 15:46
Again this 189 thing is a total joke. This is a 90 win team if everything goes perfect. Lost 100 homers. Added well no one. Have fun selling those seats if they are under 500 in July.
commerce February 11, 2013 19:29
Never is a long time SJK–after 2010 campaign, Cervelli rated by organization as “best defensive catcher”. Excellent blocking…moves target around…hustles like mad…blocks plate…strong arm (tho erratic). CC Sabathia commented that Cervy brought lots of energy to the game and it positively effected him–constantly reminded CC to finish pitches. Argument as outstanding back-up is unassailable–look at team WL% in seasons ’09 thru ’11 when he started behind the plate…it’s better than when all other catchers started. So what’s the damn problem?