K. Hill and Big Z??

[forbez18]

Why is Hill no longer catching Zambrano? I thought they had a good thing going and Hill was able to control the Big Z pretty good. I know that Kendall has been hitting pretty good, but he is hitting like Barrett was. I have seen several pitches where Kendall has caught the ball wrong or just looked confused. I would much rather have a good pitcher outing then the catcher getting two hits. Has anyone heard anything?

[RyneSandberg]

Maybe they are trying to ease Jason in there so they can bring up Soto?

 

 

:D

[Electron Blue]

Maybe they are trying to ease Jason in there so they can bring up Soto?

 

 

:D

 

doesn't make too much sense, since rosters expand in 2 weeks, meaning Soto can come up and play regardless of Hill's status. But I like the postive thinking anyway :)

[RyneSandberg]

It would be nice...

[Ding Dong Johnson]

maybe it's because Hill is terrible

[UMFan83]

Hill caught him in the last game and he sucked

[biittner77]

Hill caught him in the last game and he sucked

 

you'll have to be more specific. Or not.

[forbez18]

So one bad game, and you change what has worked?

[UMFan83]

So one bad game, and you change what has worked?

 

No I'm just saying. I don't think the catcher is the reason why Z was terrible today.

[forbez18]

I am a big believer that a catcher is a big part of a game, and I know that will be protested by many. I just think if a pitcher can get a few extra strikes or feels comfortable then they get their confidence up and the entire game changes.

[Keener98]

I am a big believer that a catcher is a big part of a game, and I know that will be protested by many. I just think if a pitcher can get a few extra strikes or feels comfortable then they get their confidence up and the entire game changes.

 

Ok but Z sucked last time out with Hill, whos catching Z is not the problem right now, its Z.

[LetsPlayTwo]

I am a big believer that a catcher is a big part of a game, and I know that will be protested by many. I just think if a pitcher can get a few extra strikes or feels comfortable then they get their confidence up and the entire game changes.

 

Z didn't need more strikes today, he was throwing up pretty good strikes on his own. Unfortunately, the Reds hit most of those strikes.

[Cynosure]

Doesn't matter who catches your ace.

[ConstableRabbit]

Kendall has been doing very well for us:

 

.300/.402/.386

 

in 70 ABs

 

Which I might add, is pretty close to his career numbers (.298/.376/.395)

 

 

I don't think there should be any question as to whether or not Hill will be playing at all...

[forbez18]

I will still take Hill's winning percentage any day.

[daske17]

I will still take Hill's winning percentage any day.

 

I'd rather take Kendall's OBP any day.

[forbez18]

So you would rather take an okay hitting catcher then the team winning the game?

[Electron Blue]

So you would rather take an okay hitting catcher then the team winning the game?

 

there's a leap in logic if I ever saw one. topped off with condescension. not nice.

[ConstableRabbit]

So you would rather take an okay hitting catcher then the team winning the game?

 

If the equation was simply: "Win with Koyie, lose with Kendall" then no one would start Kendall. Ever.

 

However, with all due respect, it is a foolish assertion to believe that simply putting Koyie Hill in the lineup makes the team win.

 

There are hundreds of lurking variables that cannot possibly be taken into account that can affect the outcome of any given game. But for an example, take a look at when Hill was playing -- many of his starts took place during our ridiculous hot streak.

 

Here's a question for you: Think of the difference Kendall helps the team score vs. how many runs Hill helps the team score. Then think about whether or not that is greater than the amount of runs Zambrano gives up with Kendall catching vs. Hill catching.

 

Over enough time, the amount of runs Zambrano gives up with each catcher should be close to the same number, while Hill's anemic sub .200 OBP (or whatever the hell it is) will continue to be a nearly automatic out in the lineup.

[LetsPlayTwo]

So you would rather take an okay hitting catcher then the team winning the game?

 

Correlation does not equal causation. Just because the Cubs won the games with Hill, Hill didn't necessarily win those games for the Cubs.

[forbez18]

Okay so I think it is fair to say that it was a leap to say that with Hill catching that the Cubs will win. However, I do not think it is that unrealistic to say that a pitcher can feel comfortable with a catcher. With Zambrano for him to be the Ace of the team, he needs to feel comfortable and be relaxed as he pitches.

 

I know Kendall has been pretty good at the plate, and I do not mind him being the catcher most days. However, as a catcher (and at his age) he needs to take days off. Hill catches Zambrano pretty good, and has had success doing so. At this point in the season I would much rather have Hill catching when Zambrano pitches because I believe it gives them the best chance to win. I think a good hitting catcher is valued a little more then a good defensive catcher. However, Kendall is not a good hitting catcher he is an average hitting catcher with no power, and his defense has weakened as he has gotten older. Replacing him with Hill when Z pitches gives the pitcher who is the most important player on the field the best chances of having a good game, and gives the Cubs the best chances of winning the game.