Astros have a deal in place with free agent catcher Robinson Chirinos

Can he block a damn ball from hitting the backstop? That is what I want to know. Basically, can he "catch"?

 

Ha, just posted the same thing. My evaluation of catchers has changed tremendously after watching Maldonado not being able to catch a damn fastball half the time.

 

For my serious response, I actually like this signing. Chirinos puts up quietly good offensive production from the catcher position. If you give me an OPS of .750 with 17-20 HRs from the catcher position, I think that's great. He is older, as he will be 35 early next season. But over the last 3-4 years, he has been relatively consistent.

I honestly cannot speak to his ability to work with pitchers/call games/block pitches in the dirt/arm strength, which is all important. But purely from an offensive standpoint, I think this is a very solid signing. And should be cost-effective, allowing us to spend elsewhere. I think this will be a prudent signing, once the dollar amount comes out.

 

Haha exactly! I guess me and you are still bitter from the playoffs. I know I am, freaking dude couldn't catch, and he's a damn catcher.

 

Yikes, 4th worst pitch framer in the league last year. Granted that may have something to do with catching the terrible Texas staff.

 

My opinion is that running isn't a huge part of the game anymore but maybe I am wrong. Pitchers are also getting really good at pick off moves and keeping runners on base. Most teams aren't all that aggressive in the playoffs either it seems.

 

imo, most of what separates good and bad catchers is pitch framing. Maybe they think he's teachable in that respect. They did make Stassi into a framing whiz.

 

Either we'll be mediocre after the catcher position, which is more of the same, or we'll make another move. A 1 year deal for Chirinos isn't going to make us ignore a potential upgrade like Realmuto.

Can't complain.

 

Meh. Probably not expensive. Hope it is as a backup.

 

Added bonus....

Chirinos vs Bauer

3 for 7
2 HR
1.786 OPS

 

My first reaction : meh

But then : blaaarf

Please be a back up for cheap ....!

 

Interesting; Altuve’s influence on Luhnow seems to be a real thing.

 

Can he block a ball in the dirt? That's the real question.

 

This is good. To get back to where they were in '17 offensively, they need the bottom of the lineup to produce. Bottom line.

 

Altuve best recruiter in Houston since Chandler Parsons left?

 

Since this is just a one year deal, does this mean the Astros see Stubbs as a future starting catcher? I'd like to see him get a shot in the Majors next year, he's done great in AAA. He hits for contact, and I've heard great things about his defense. From what I know I like him, and maybe he's the answer going forward? I'd like to see him and Chirinos split catching duties next year if this is all we do in terms of catching.

 

So, we have two backup catchers now?

I am wondering whether the brass has this "all in" mentality like I thought. Ok, OK. Its early. Maybe assets are going toward a big bat / #3 pitcher.

We have played the Rangers a lot and I dont recall Chirinos hurting us offensively, and that probably isnt a good thing.

 

Ehhh, I dunno. He was also on the MLB squad that toured Japan along with McHugh and Strom.

Also, I would be very surprised if he is anything more than the backup.

 

Only way he is a backup is if Stassi is dealt or released. I could see him being either the starter or backup. I just hope we don’t ride with the offense the way it is. We need a big offensive boost and Chirinos is only a little better than Gattis/McCann/Maldonado/Stassi.