Any interest in Molina?

[NorthsideAvenger]

People who want Molina and trade Barrett needs to considers one LITTLE fact: If they market has dried up for Molina, you don't have to imagine the market for Barrett. If the Cubs signed Molina, they BEST the Cubs would get for Barrett is a DECENT prospect.

 

Hitting, Baserunning & Defense

 

Molina is one of the better contact hitters in the AL. In part because of that, he is one of the Angels' best hitters with runners in scoring position. On the other hand, he probably is the slowest baserunner in the AL, and therefore one of the easiest double-play victims around. His defense, other than his lack of mobility, is practically flawless. However, his success rate against basestealers dropped sharply last year.

 

Those two flaws is the reason why the Angels decline to offer arby to Molina, and arguably the reasons why he hasn't had to much interest as a FA. That is the reason why I would not sign Molina. We don't need to get slower, we don't don't need to become ANY more stationary the Cubs current are. Molina is a nice player, don't get me wrong, but I like the Barrett/Blanco combo.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Again, doesn't Rothschild call the pitches? How can Barrett be faulted if that's the case?

[katway]

Molina is a very good catcher. I'd rather have his defensive skills and decent offensive numbers than Barretts slightly better offensive numbers and poor defensive skills.

 

If I were creating a team, the first position player I would secure would be a catcher. No everyday player is more important than a catcher. A catcher affects team defense not only by virtue of throwing out base stealers and reducing errors, but by calling a good game. Molina's game calling skills are far superior to Barrett's. The fact that the team's best pitchers would rather have another catcher calling the game speaks volumes about Barrett's ability to call a game and handle the pitching staff.

 

Doesn't Rothschild call the game? Do we know that Bud Black doesn't call pitches for Anaheim?

 

I'd be willing to bet that would also be the case in LA (as well as just about everywhere else). Molina's defense is not that much of a difference maker to offset the increased offense Barrett provides.

 

Most catchers call the game. Bengie has a reputation for being one of the best in calling the game and has his pitchers' trust in that regard.

 

The first thing I consider in a catcher is defense and game calling. Offense is the icing on the cake.

 

I think Ausmus (who isn't much of a hitter) is one of the reasons Houston's pitching has been consistently good for so many years. When he talks about catching, he notes that "[a] pitcher has to be able to trust you to call the game...trust you to block balls, trust you to control the running game, trust you to know the situation, trust you to know his mechanics. The more a pitcher trusts you, the more at ease his mind is and the more he can focus on the pitch he's throwing rather than these other extraneous things." Ausmus, like Molina, has the pitchers' trust, I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

[goonys evil twin]

People who want Molina and trade Barrett needs to considers one LITTLE fact: If they market has dried up for Molina, you don't have to imagine the market for Barrett. If the Cubs signed Molina, they BEST the Cubs would get for Barrett is a DECENT prospect.

 

You might be right. But something to remember is they are about 2.5 years apart, and Barrett has been significantly better at the plate the past 2 seasons. Teams realize that catchers don't generally age gracefully, which could be a big reason why Molina hasn't gotten many bites. And while Barrett is signed for about 2/8, Molina could easily be looking for something like 3/15 in this market, which would make MB more attractive.

 

Also, if you're trading Barrett, it makes more sense to use him in a package than just 1 for 1 and then sign Molina. That would be an offensive downgrade, and you should only make the moves if you could get a significant offensive upgrade elsewhere.

[UK1679666180]

I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Is that Barrett's fault or the pitchers?

 

Molina on defense is largely going on defensive reputation of a couple of years ago rather than his upcoming production, he's not as good as he was in his late 20s.

 

Molina peaked offensively last year and will likely not produce the same numbers as he did last year.

 

To give him a multi-year deal partially based on his offensive production last year and his defensive reputation of the past is a finanical mistake.

[Derwood]

Hendry has too much manlove for Barrett. He was his little pet project, "rescued" from the dregs of Montreal/Oakland to come into his own in Chicago. No way he gets traded.

[SouthSideRyan]

Molina is a horrible baserunner, slowest guy in the majors, and is prime to Mo Vaughn himself out of a job with a multi-year deal.

[fromthestretch]

Most catchers call the game. Bengie has a reputation for being one of the best in calling the game and has his pitchers' trust in that regard.

 

The first thing I consider in a catcher is defense and game calling. Offense is the icing on the cake.

 

I think Ausmus (who isn't much of a hitter) is one of the reasons Houston's pitching has been consistently good for so many years. When he talks about catching, he notes that "[a] pitcher has to be able to trust you to call the game...trust you to block balls, trust you to control the running game, trust you to know the situation, trust you to know his mechanics. The more a pitcher trusts you, the more at ease his mind is and the more he can focus on the pitch he's throwing rather than these other extraneous things." Ausmus, like Molina, has the pitchers' trust, I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Extraneous things? How is knowing the situation an "extraneous thing?" I know that's not your quote, but that's absurd. If a pitcher is relying on the catcher to know the situation, I don't want that pitcher anywhere near the mound. Also, the pitcher has a lot of responsibility in controlling the running game. I don't care how good the catcher's arm is. If the pitcher isn't holding runners close, the catcher doesn't stand a chance at throwing them out.

 

Not to attack Ausmus here, but if he did indeed say that, then I'm reading it as, "Don't judge me by my mediocre offensive numbers. I truly am important because I give my pitchers peace of mind."

 

*Edited for my stupid spelling mistakes

[Laura]

Again, doesn't Rothschild call the pitches? How can Barrett be faulted if that's the case?

 

That seems to vary by pitcher and situation.

 

Several Cubs management types said last spring that Barrett would be paired with Maddux this past season for the express purpose of improving Barrett's game-calling abilities. That indicates an organizational expectation that Barrett should be calling pitches, at least in some situations.

 

I'm fine with Barrett; if the position could be clearly upgraded, great, but I'm more worried about the outfield than I am about the catchers.

[jtownie]

Again, doesn't Rothschild call the pitches? How can Barrett be faulted if that's the case?

 

That seems to vary by pitcher and situation.

 

Several Cubs management types said last spring that Barrett would be paired with Maddux this past season for the express purpose of improving Barrett's game-calling abilities. That indicates an organizational expectation that Barrett should be calling pitches, at least in some situations.

 

I'm fine with Barrett; if the position could be clearly upgraded, great, but I'm more worried about the outfield than I am about the catchers.

 

Would the cubs be better off using Barrett as a part of deal to obtain a significant upgrade in the OF and then sign Molina?

Barrett may be at his peak in value on the trade-market considering his age and offensive capabilities.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

He's certainly better than Less lina.

 

 

 

That was for you, JC...

[JC]

He's certainly better than Less lina.

 

 

 

That was for you, JC...

 

And was very much appreciated.

[UK1679666180]

Barrett may be at his peak in value on the trade-market considering his age and offensive capabilities

 

You'd doing the same thing w/Molina except in a FA market. Like Molina, I'm unsure of what type of market there is for Barrett.

[erik316wttn]

To be honest, I'd much rather have a defensive catcher than an offensive (Barrett) one. I like Michael but I don't think he makes the pitching staff better or that he has good instincts (like throwing to thirdbase when a runner is coming home). Conversely, I think the pitchers are better with Blanco catching. PLus, he throws out a high number of runners attempting to steal. I wish the Cubs would upgrade the starting catcher poswition but I think they view Barrett as an untouchable.

 

If the offense was better I'd agree with you, but with this lineup we're going to need all the pop we can get.

[Hosak8]

I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Is that Barrett's fault or the pitchers?

 

Molina on defense is largely going on defensive reputation of a couple of years ago rather than his upcoming production, he's not as good as he was in his late 20s.

 

Molina peaked offensively last year and will likely not produce the same numbers as he did last year.

 

To give him a multi-year deal partially based on his offensive production last year and his defensive reputation of the past is a finanical mistake.

 

You don't know that. Very presumptuous on your part. Now, if you had said that catchers over 30 typically decline, then yes, that's factual. But your statement had nothing factual about it. It's all your assumption.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Is that Barrett's fault or the pitchers?

 

Molina on defense is largely going on defensive reputation of a couple of years ago rather than his upcoming production, he's not as good as he was in his late 20s.

 

Molina peaked offensively last year and will likely not produce the same numbers as he did last year.

 

To give him a multi-year deal partially based on his offensive production last year and his defensive reputation of the past is a finanical mistake.

 

You don't know that. Very presumptuous on your part. Now, if you had said that catchers over 30 typically decline, then yes, that's factual. But your statement had nothing factual about it. It's all your assumption.

 

He had by far the best offensive year of his career at age 30 at a position that isn't kind to players leaving or past their prime. You can't ignore the likelihood of it because it's not an absolute certainty.

[Shawon12]

Molina is a very good catcher. I'd rather have his defensive skills and decent offensive numbers than Barretts slightly better offensive numbers and poor defensive skills.

 

If I were creating a team, the first position player I would secure would be a catcher. No everyday player is more important than a catcher. A catcher affects team defense not only by virtue of throwing out base stealers and reducing errors, but by calling a good game. Molina's game calling skills are far superior to Barrett's. The fact that the team's best pitchers would rather have another catcher calling the game speaks volumes about Barrett's ability to call a game and handle the pitching staff.

 

I couldn't agree w/ you more. I believe the major reason our entire staff, spare one or two pitchers, have underachieved since Barrett arrived, was their lack of trust/confidence/cohesiveness in M.B. I still think not resigning Lofton and Pudge in the offseason prior to '04 put this club in the spot it's in. I'm sure there's stats one can find to argue I'm wrong, but in these two cases, there's more to it than stats..

[goonys evil twin]

I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Is that Barrett's fault or the pitchers?

 

Molina on defense is largely going on defensive reputation of a couple of years ago rather than his upcoming production, he's not as good as he was in his late 20s.

 

Molina peaked offensively last year and will likely not produce the same numbers as he did last year.

 

To give him a multi-year deal partially based on his offensive production last year and his defensive reputation of the past is a finanical mistake.

 

You don't know that. Very presumptuous on your part. Now, if you had said that catchers over 30 typically decline, then yes, that's factual. But your statement had nothing factual about it. It's all your assumption.

 

He said "will likely not". It was a fact that he peaked offensively, that's the best he's done. And it's also true that he will likely not produce the same numbers.

[CubfaninCA]

Give me Molina over Barrett and package Barrett for Tejada. :) Catcher's the most important defensive position on the field, and I prefer someone who can really defend. Of course, it's nice if they can hit over .260.

[Hosak8]

I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Is that Barrett's fault or the pitchers?

 

Molina on defense is largely going on defensive reputation of a couple of years ago rather than his upcoming production, he's not as good as he was in his late 20s.

 

Molina peaked offensively last year and will likely not produce the same numbers as he did last year.

 

To give him a multi-year deal partially based on his offensive production last year and his defensive reputation of the past is a finanical mistake.

 

You don't know that. Very presumptuous on your part. Now, if you had said that catchers over 30 typically decline, then yes, that's factual. But your statement had nothing factual about it. It's all your assumption.

 

He said "will likely not". It was a fact that he peaked offensively, that's the best he's done. And it's also true that he will likely not produce the same numbers.

 

Semantics... and untrue. Best season of his career? So far, yes. Peaked? Cannot say for sure.

 

Did D.Lee peak last season? It was the best season of his career. Does that mean he "peaked"? Not so sure. And, again, you're assuming that he won't match his production this season. Maybe he won't. But, you're not qualified to say that... it's merely your opinion. Your opinion isn't fact. Nor is mine. I'm not pretentious enough to suggest that it's a fact that he will or won't produce offensively the way he did last season. Why are so many others?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Give me Molina over Barrett and package Barrett for Tejada. :) Catcher's the most important defensive position on the field, and I prefer someone who can really defend. Of course, it's nice if they can hit over .260.

 

Why would the Orioles want Barrett when they already have two catchers in Hernandez and Lopez?

 

Also signing over thirty catchers to three year deals is not usually a good idea.

[fromthestretch]

I get the feeling that Barrett really doesn't have that trust.

 

Is that Barrett's fault or the pitchers?

 

Molina on defense is largely going on defensive reputation of a couple of years ago rather than his upcoming production, he's not as good as he was in his late 20s.

 

Molina peaked offensively last year and will likely not produce the same numbers as he did last year.

 

To give him a multi-year deal partially based on his offensive production last year and his defensive reputation of the past is a finanical mistake.

 

You don't know that. Very presumptuous on your part. Now, if you had said that catchers over 30 typically decline, then yes, that's factual. But your statement had nothing factual about it. It's all your assumption.

 

He said "will likely not". It was a fact that he peaked offensively, that's the best he's done. And it's also true that he will likely not produce the same numbers.

 

Semantics... and untrue. Best season of his career? So far, yes. Peaked? Cannot say for sure.

 

Did D.Lee peak last season? It was the best season of his career. Does that mean he "peaked"? Not so sure. And, again, you're assuming that he won't match his production this season. Maybe he won't. But, you're not qualified to say that... it's merely your opinion. Your opinion isn't fact. Nor is mine. I'm not pretentious enough to suggest that it's a fact that he will or won't produce offensively the way he did last season. Why are so many others?

 

Did I miss the memo that "will likely not" means "it's 100% fact that he won't?"

 

Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but nowhere did he say he was absolutely certain that Molina will regress. I believe what he's saying is that the odds certainly aren't in Molina's favor.

[UK1679666180]

You don't know that. Very presumptuous on your part. Now, if you had said that catchers over 30 typically decline, then yes, that's factual. But your statement had nothing factual about it. It's all your assumption.

 

1st off, I'm making a prediction. I am predicting, he will likely never match the offensive production of last year or the defensive production of a couple years ago. Could he surpass last year's numbers? Sure, will he? I doubt it.

 

He'll be 32 in July and his coming off a season with a .268 EqA after a career EqA under .240.

[CubfaninCA]

Give me Molina over Barrett and package Barrett for Tejada. :) Catcher's the most important defensive position on the field, and I prefer someone who can really defend. Of course, it's nice if they can hit over .260.

 

Why would the Orioles want Barrett when they already have two catchers in Hernandez and Lopez?

 

Also signing over thirty catchers to three year deals is not usually a good idea.

 

Forgot they got Hernandez. Three way trade then.

 

Seriously tho, the Cubs getting Tejada just ain't happening. Thus the :)

[NorthsideAvenger]

People who want Molina and trade Barrett needs to considers one LITTLE fact: If they market has dried up for Molina, you don't have to imagine the market for Barrett. If the Cubs signed Molina, they BEST the Cubs would get for Barrett is a DECENT prospect.

 

You might be right. But something to remember is they are about 2.5 years apart, and Barrett has been significantly better at the plate the past 2 seasons. Teams realize that catchers don't generally age gracefully, which could be a big reason why Molina hasn't gotten many bites. And while Barrett is signed for about 2/8, Molina could easily be looking for something like 3/15 in this market, which would make MB more attractive.

 

Also, if you're trading Barrett, it makes more sense to use him in a package than just 1 for 1 and then sign Molina. That would be an offensive downgrade, and you should only make the moves if you could get a significant offensive upgrade elsewhere.

 

But if you are going to trade Barrett, you WOULD have to find a solid replacement at catcher, or get ABOVE AVERAGE production at another position (say SS).