His throw later on was even better but the runner got a better jump and it was a breaking ball low that was harder to pop up and throw quickly. Still almost caught the runner.
I said later but misremembered which happened when. Same dude (Garcia) was successful stealing 2nd base in the 2nd inning. But if you watch that replay, Yanier's throw was even better than the one that was succesful. Pena almost didn't even have to move his glove to apply the tag, but the pitch that Garcia ran on was in the dirt so it took longer for Yanier to pop up and get the throw off, but it was even more beautiful than the one that worked 4 innings later.
Runner gets a great jump...last one was a a curveball down, Yainer had no chance. Runner jump didn't really matter...FB up is a perfect ball to throw on, and he threw a dart
According to this he is the 2nd worst defender at the position. His value is all in his bat. He needs to be the first baseman or DH in the play offs.
He has been great, not MVP great in my opinion but nearly so. Nonetheless well over 100% of his 2.6 WAR came from his offensive skill. I was pleased to learn his value as a catcher was actually negative. My belief that he should be moved to 1st base is actually easy to justify once you see it laid out in black and white.
Where would this team be without him this year? He just spent most of this month catching a pitching staff that set records. This is a case where numbers lie. I can see why you would want him to ply 1B, but he's been fine at catcher. Who would you put at catcher next year? Caratini has never been a regular catcher. Are you willing to bet he can become one next year?
Either way Janek will be starting behind the dish in the 26 play-offs or the following Spring at the latest. Next season Caratini and Salazar could split the catching duties. Or more likely we can pick up a starter on his last legs to split the job with Caratini.
I'm not against this and hope if they decide to do this then they get a Caratini type backup C to solit time with Caratini. I also hope Yanier gets a lot of work at 1B in Spring Training.
I would rather him be the best hitting catcher of our generation, and then sign a great 1B hitter, and just have a demon of a lineup, rather than having Diaz play 1st and get a below average hitting catcher (that's what most catchers are)
No, currently Caratini is having a career year with the Stros..... His last 4 were .241, .227, .199 and .259.... with a total of 24 home runs over 4 years in 300+ games. His Covid year was the .241, and he only had 1 HR in 44 games. Lets not say hes great, and just been playing very well this year.
They need to ride the hot hand this year. Caratini's getting more AB's than he's ever gotten in his career. That could possibly be the reason for the uptick in Caratini's production.
Caratini is having a great year, both offensively and defensively, and I am very glad he was signed. But this is only the second time in his career that he has had a Wrc+ over 100. For his career, he is at 88. Therefore, I hesitate to call him a great hitting catcher
