*yawn* You have any bright ideas, or just more gratuitous whining? Being a catcher isn't about throwing runners out, btw.
Ausmus isn't what he used to be defensively... but its not like he's Mike Piazza back there, and teams are just chomping at the bit to run on us. If we're going to give somebody more PT as a catcher it will be because we need more offense... and even then, a lot of things will have to go wrong with the rest of the lineup for Ausmus to be relegated to complete bench duty: The stars: Berkman, Lee The potentials: Ensberg/Lamb/Huff, Scott The mediocre: Biggio The paltry: Taveras, Everett, Ausmus If all of the "potentials" all make their way to the mediocre category, they won't be able to overcome the paltry (which, as already has been said, Willy won't be guaranteed everyday status if he starts slumping again). And, Biggio is replaceable as well with another "potential" in Burke.
If you just want to talk about throwing guys out than don't just use the word "defensively" to describe Ausmus' game. He was the best fielding catcher in the NL. That says more of what you get out of him than how many guys he throws out. Despite leading NL catchers in games played, Ausmus had ONE passed ball and there is no telling how many passed balls he prevented. And he had just one error on top of that PB. Plus, Second lowest ERA in the last 2 years. THat says a lot of Brad.
Believe me... I'm aware of all of that. I just think its funny that people use "thrown out runners" to justify or unjustify his gold glove. Sure, it wasn't his best defensive year... but who else is better behind the plate? Yadier Molina comes close... and has a cannon for an arm... and also has Ausmus' knack of doing nothing in the regular season, only to hit one of the biggest HR's in Cardinals history in the playoffs.
Molina was great throughout the playoffs for the Cards. Key hit after key hit. I think Ausmus does too much with the pitching staff and is the leader on the field and sets up the defense. I'm willing to live with Ausmus and Everett, I think Carlos Lee is gonna help more than people think. I think he is gonna have a huge yr at Minute Maid, batting behind a top 3 hitter in baseball in Berkman.
I would be nice if we could acquire Chris Snyder from the D-backs. He has some pop to his bat and is a Houston native.
That's nice & all, but Az just traded their other catcher, why do you think they'd want to move Snyder? Ausmus will split time (2/3rdsish I'd guess/hope) with either Gimenez or Quintero (Quintero has more experience, Gimenez has more upside) this year & then the Stros will move forward from there after this season. Much like the Biggio situation at second, the Stros situation at catcher is pretty much predetermined at this point.
I say we make Biggio finish where he started...behind the plate...that gets Burke into the lineup and Ausmus out.
While most teams have weak end of the lineups, the Astros are the worst. The Astros also top off the worst end of the lineup with anemic leadoff hitters. Scott, Berkman, Lee, Ensberg could be the best middle of the order lineup if Scott continues being a great hitter and Ensberg has a typical odd year season. If Ausmus stays, it would be prudent to get some offense at another position like SS or CF.
The Astros were the worst everywhere, with the notable exception of #3. I'd argue that C, 3B, SS, 2B, LF, CF, and RF all could have delivered more. You can't upgrade all of them, but you've got to start somewhere. Mr. Lee was a pretty good start.
Which is why, I suppose, everyone droning on with the same tired old Ausmus takes can't come up with an actual viable solution. Just whining.
