You're talking about qualitative data that can still be a factor. I tend to lean on those with direct observations....
I like much of what you said but it’s crazy to say that Yordan should be better. He just finished 3rd in MVP balloting. He may be as productive, but if we are just speculating the best bet is a little regression from that peak. You also should factor in regression from multiple bullpen guys, many of whom had career years. Relief pitching varies wildly year to year.
What exactly is the plan for Benintendi when Yordan plays his 65% of games in the field? CF? DH? Something to think about. I’m not sure how we are supposed to appeal to free agents with this whole part-time nonsense at the LF/C positions with Yordan and Maldy.
I’d venture he’d play CF where he has played 71 games in the past about 10% of his total career games.
There's a diffference between being unable to measure something and it not existing. Much of the defensive metrics used today were not tracked 10 or 15 years ago. In a decade, there will be new measures not being used today. Take two people: 1. Current Maldy 2. A Maldy who does no research on opposing lineups, doesn't know how to calm Framber down when he goes into his mental funks, doesn't do any pregame preparation, etc. He hits the same; does the same pitch framing; plays the same defense; etc. All the measurables are the same. But the results for our pitching staff would almost certainly be different.
I legitimately didn't realize people still made "rings" arguments when talking about individual players... especially baseball players.
Lol, wow. The Astros catcher was the worst player on the team and you think they deserve credit for what the team did despite them? That's so odd.
FYI Rome was on the Matt Thomas show and said from everything he’s heard if the Astros were successful in bringing in Contreras or even another starting caliber C the team was going to look at shopping Maldy. Hilarious given how so many here have taken some hardline stance that the team just loves Maldy so much and how he’d never be surplanted from his starting role. If that’s the case why wouldn’t we just bring back Vasquez?
Yeah that doesn’t make sense. Down to shop Maldy but won’t give Vazquez starting job bc Maldy is a catching Saint. I’d bring back Vazquez and/or take a flier on Zunino- He hit 33 hrs and was an All Star last year . Could be had for a good deal likely
You are correct, I highly doubt you'd convince many people of that. Vazquez was such an amazing upgrade in the playoffs with his .551 OPS (over Maldonado's .544) that they kept him on the bench for all but 6 games.
Any trade with the Pirates has to be with Korey Lee involved. They need a Catching prospect. I wouldn't trade Yainer Diaz he would be number 2 behind Maldy if no one else is added
Can we just stop the Maldonado bashing? Everyone knows he's a terrible hitter... His defense and game management is subject for debate. The reality is he has 1 year on his deal for very little money. We have 2 young and cheap alternatives ready for a trial run. Spending great resources to solve a problem that may solve itself a year from now isn't smart. If the price is reasonable or player so awesome you punt on the young guys then that's different. There is no need to keep repeating the same thing about having a hole in the lineup. If we solve that then we're the only team in baseball without one. It's not worth committing crazy money or prospects to go get someone. I would be fine with Vazquez if you want to delay the young guys a year and bring them up slow behind Vazquez. The money has to be right though...
You do realize why they kept him on the bench? Backup catchers usually dont play but in case of emergency. It would've 5 games but Yuli got hurt, so they called up Lee so Vazquez could DH and he came up with a big hit in game 6. Not surprising.
Can somebody point out to me what I am missing on Benintendi? He doesn't excite me at all - good batting average, no power, and is his defense really that good (I know the Bregman robbery is still in our heads),....Basically, is he even a meaningful upgrade over a healthy Uncle Mike?
They kept him on the bench because he was terrible. If you are going to have pathetic performance at the plate from a catcher, it might as well be Maldonado, he can accidentally get a hit every now and again too.
Keeping Maldonado as starting catcher is not a "disaster", you're being a silly buns. But it is suboptimal. It is time to sign Vasquez, however.
