Barrett's Play

[1908]

I also have some serious questions per the language barrier. Perhaps if they signed Matsui and he came in from LF everytime the pitcher and catcher wanted to speak, it would be easier.

Kenji's caught many, many pitchers who only spoke English or Spanish without any problems, and he's widely viewed as the the best handler of pitching staffs in his league. I think he'd do fine. I also think it's highly unlikely he ends up on the Cubs.

[CuseCubFan69]

if you can show me a replacement for barrett that is a perfect balance of offense and defense, maybe i'd want him. but i don't know who that is.

Johjima. ;)

He's a free agent after this offseason, he's 4 months older than Barrett, and his numbers last year roughly equate to .315/.373/.533 in MLB.

 

I think I'm done with believing those rough equivalents.

Iguchi's equivalent was .311/.358/.474 last year and he's hit .279/.347/.440 this year. Not perfect but not bad either.

 

I understand they hold some merit, and that Japanese players should be considered, but I refuse to get on another bandwagon for these guys. I also have some serious questions per the language barrier. Perhaps if they signed Matsui and he came in from LF everytime the pitcher and catcher wanted to speak, it would be easier.

 

But you told me earlier it was the performance that mattered...not pitcher/catcher relations.

[goonys evil twin]

But you told me earlier it was the performance that mattered...not pitcher/catcher relations.

 

The relationship doesn't matter. The ability to speak to one another does.

[CuseCubFan69]

But you told me earlier it was the performance that mattered...not pitcher/catcher relations.

 

The relationship doesn't matter. The ability to speak to one another does.

 

I agree and if the pitcher doesn't want to listen it's the same thing IMO.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

To reiterate what I said earlier, Barrett is having a down defensive season much like Lee is having an up offensive season, although to different degrees. Barrett has been pretty mediocre this year defensively, but his previous seasons suggest he'll go back to being average/slightly below average. In regards to his offense, I think this year has cemented that his offensive outburst is for real. So going forward, Barrett is likely to maintain a high offensive output for his position, and likely to improve to previous norms(that are average for his position) defensively.

 

That's what the argument isn't taking into consideration. Barrett has been pretty bad defensively, but it isn't likely to continue. Many people, myself definitely included, get it in their minds that a person's defensive skill is what it is, that it never wavers. Truth is like any other part of performance that sometimes a player has streaks where they play above or below their ability/previous performance.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

But you told me earlier it was the performance that mattered...not pitcher/catcher relations.

 

The relationship doesn't matter. The ability to speak to one another does.

 

I agree and if the pitcher doesn't want to listen it's the same thing IMO.

I think this is one of the Barrett does very effectively and yet isn't mentioned. When he first came here he was stuck to the side of one of the pitchers almost all training camp. It seems that every time I see him on the bench he is talking to one of the pitchers or to Blanco.

[Satch80]

First of all, I don't think it Barrett Bashing to state the obvious. He is a poor defensive catcher. I like Barrett, in fact, Walker also. they're gamers who come to play every day and there's a lot to be said for that.

 

But let's put a few fielding stats into perspective. I'll compare Barrett to someone we all agree has the best D, Ivan Rodriguez, and then to a young D catcher that the Cards ( who always value defense at catcher)have, Yadier Molina.

 

2005 Source: ESPN MLB Defensive stats.

 

SB against

Rodriguez 26

Y Molina 12

Barrett 64

 

CS %

Rodriguez .567

Y Molina .657

Barrett .229

 

Granted, I am comparing him to the best older and younger defensive catchers but it should be obvious that Barret is not average in these departments. In fact, I could only find 2 catchers (Kendall and V Martinez) with worse stats in this department.

 

These stats can be easilly quantified, but there are many that cannot. We have all seen Barrett make poor decisions, fail to block balls in the dirt, fail to block home plate properly, and fail to take charge on the infeld.

 

I love a hitting catcher because it removes a dead spot in the lineup and I personally was happy about his signing. But after watching almost every Cub game the last two years I am convinced that his bat is less an asset than we think.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

First of all, I don't think it Barrett Bashing to state the obvious. He is a poor defensive catcher. I like Barrett, in fact, Walker also. they're gamers who come to play every day and there's a lot to be said for that.

 

But let's put a few fielding stats into perspective. I'll compare Barrett to someone we all agree has the best D, Ivan Rodriguez, and then to a young D catcher that the Cards ( who always value defense at catcher)have, Yadier Molina.

 

2005 Source: ESPN MLB Defensive stats.

 

SB against

Rodriguez 26

Y Molina 12

Barrett 64

 

CS %

Rodriguez .567

Y Molina .657

Barrett .229

 

Granted, I am comparing him to the best older and younger defensive catchers but it should be obvious that Barret is not average in these departments. In fact, I could only find 2 catchers (Kendall and V Martinez) with worse stats in this department.

 

These stats can be easilly quantified, but there are many that cannot. We have all seen Barrett make poor decisions, fail to block balls in the dirt, fail to block home plate properly, and fail to take charge on the infeld.

 

I love a hitting catcher because it removes a dead spot in the lineup and I personally was happy about his signing. But after watching almost every Cub game the last two years I am convinced that his bat is less an asset than we think.

 

CS% and SB against aren't solely the catcher's responsibility. Different pitchers throwing different pitches against different baserunners.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

First of all, I don't think it Barrett Bashing to state the obvious. He is a poor defensive catcher. I like Barrett, in fact, Walker also. they're gamers who come to play every day and there's a lot to be said for that.

 

But let's put a few fielding stats into perspective. I'll compare Barrett to someone we all agree has the best D, Ivan Rodriguez, and then to a young D catcher that the Cards ( who always value defense at catcher)have, Yadier Molina.

 

2005 Source: ESPN MLB Defensive stats.

 

SB against

Rodriguez 26

Y Molina 12

Barrett 64

 

CS %

Rodriguez .567

Y Molina .657

Barrett .229

 

Granted, I am comparing him to the best older and younger defensive catchers but it should be obvious that Barret is not average in these departments. In fact, I could only find 2 catchers (Kendall and V Martinez) with worse stats in this department.

 

These stats can be easilly quantified, but there are many that cannot. We have all seen Barrett make poor decisions, fail to block balls in the dirt, fail to block home plate properly, and fail to take charge on the infeld.

 

I love a hitting catcher because it removes a dead spot in the lineup and I personally was happy about his signing. But after watching almost every Cub game the last two years I am convinced that his bat is less an asset than we think.

He also catches for Maddux who is one of the easiest pitchers to steal on in the league.

[UK1679666180]

Johjima

 

Who in the Cubs' system is scouting him? The make-believe "Pacific Rim Scout"? :x

[UK1679666180]

Before they replace Barrett with a defensive minded C, who are they going to get for the OF and SS? Also, would you replace Walker as well since he is a "defensive liability" at 2B?

 

B/c if you replace Barrett and Walker with better defenders who aren't as strong offensively, not only will they prevent the opposition from scoring more, they'll prevent the Cubs from scoring more. Quite the definition of a defensive ballplayer, if you ask me.

[brinoch]

To reiterate what I said earlier, Barrett is having a down defensive season much like Lee is having an up offensive season, although to different degrees. Barrett has been pretty mediocre this year defensively, but his previous seasons suggest he'll go back to being average/slightly below average. In regards to his offense, I think this year has cemented that his offensive outburst is for real. So going forward, Barrett is likely to maintain a high offensive output for his position, and likely to improve to previous norms(that are average for his position) defensively.

 

That's what the argument isn't taking into consideration. Barrett has been pretty bad defensively, but it isn't likely to continue. Many people, myself definitely included, get it in their minds that a person's defensive skill is what it is, that it never wavers. Truth is like any other part of performance that sometimes a player has streaks where they play above or below their ability/previous performance.

 

This is a good point. And, having played baseball and still playing soccer as a keeper, I can relate to what you're saying about defense (as you can as well). You know what you're capable of, physically and positionally. But, sometimes you're off your game, or you're just completely stopping everything. A little bit of luck and a little bit of confidence can make a difference. In soccer, the rest of your defense plays a pretty big role -- but so does the pitcher in baseball. If everything is placed correctly, you look great. Likewise, in soccer, if your defense is positioned correctly and covering the various angles, you look brilliant. (Or if your defense deigns to *listen* when you are calling out a far post run, or trying to place the wall... Have I recently mentioned that my team doesn't listen well?)

[Transmogrified Tiger]

To reiterate what I said earlier, Barrett is having a down defensive season much like Lee is having an up offensive season, although to different degrees. Barrett has been pretty mediocre this year defensively, but his previous seasons suggest he'll go back to being average/slightly below average. In regards to his offense, I think this year has cemented that his offensive outburst is for real. So going forward, Barrett is likely to maintain a high offensive output for his position, and likely to improve to previous norms(that are average for his position) defensively.

 

That's what the argument isn't taking into consideration. Barrett has been pretty bad defensively, but it isn't likely to continue. Many people, myself definitely included, get it in their minds that a person's defensive skill is what it is, that it never wavers. Truth is like any other part of performance that sometimes a player has streaks where they play above or below their ability/previous performance.

 

This is a good point. And, having played baseball and still playing soccer as a keeper, I can relate to what you're saying about defense (as you can as well). You know what you're capable of, physically and positionally. But, sometimes you're off your game, or you're just completely stopping everything. A little bit of luck and a little bit of confidence can make a difference. In soccer, the rest of your defense plays a pretty big role -- but so does the pitcher in baseball. If everything is placed correctly, you look great. Likewise, in soccer, if your defense is positioned correctly and covering the various angles, you look brilliant. (Or if your defense deigns to *listen* when you are calling out a far post run, or trying to place the wall... Have I recently mentioned that my team doesn't listen well?)

 

I'm convinced people in a wall take the job too seriously. That is they take on the mental capabilities of one when they are in one.

[brinoch]

if you can show me a replacement for barrett that is a perfect balance of offense and defense, maybe i'd want him. but i don't know who that is.

Johjima. ;)

He's a free agent after this offseason, he's 4 months older than Barrett, and his numbers last year roughly equate to .315/.373/.533 in MLB.

 

I think I'm done with believing those rough equivalents.

Iguchi's equivalent was .311/.358/.474 last year and he's hit .279/.347/.440 this year. Not perfect but not bad either.

 

I understand they hold some merit, and that Japanese players should be considered, but I refuse to get on another bandwagon for these guys. I also have some serious questions per the language barrier. Perhaps if they signed Matsui and he came in from LF everytime the pitcher and catcher wanted to speak, it would be easier.

 

That's something 1908 and I had a conversation about maybe a month ago. It's a concern of mine, definitely, but apparently Johjima has been able to get beyond the language barrier since it's all "baseball talk". I hope that's the case, though I still have question whether that can be the case.

[brinoch]

To reiterate what I said earlier, Barrett is having a down defensive season much like Lee is having an up offensive season, although to different degrees. Barrett has been pretty mediocre this year defensively, but his previous seasons suggest he'll go back to being average/slightly below average. In regards to his offense, I think this year has cemented that his offensive outburst is for real. So going forward, Barrett is likely to maintain a high offensive output for his position, and likely to improve to previous norms(that are average for his position) defensively.

 

That's what the argument isn't taking into consideration. Barrett has been pretty bad defensively, but it isn't likely to continue. Many people, myself definitely included, get it in their minds that a person's defensive skill is what it is, that it never wavers. Truth is like any other part of performance that sometimes a player has streaks where they play above or below their ability/previous performance.

 

This is a good point. And, having played baseball and still playing soccer as a keeper, I can relate to what you're saying about defense (as you can as well). You know what you're capable of, physically and positionally. But, sometimes you're off your game, or you're just completely stopping everything. A little bit of luck and a little bit of confidence can make a difference. In soccer, the rest of your defense plays a pretty big role -- but so does the pitcher in baseball. If everything is placed correctly, you look great. Likewise, in soccer, if your defense is positioned correctly and covering the various angles, you look brilliant. (Or if your defense deigns to *listen* when you are calling out a far post run, or trying to place the wall... Have I recently mentioned that my team doesn't listen well?)

 

I'm convinced people in a wall take the job too seriously. That is they take on the mental capabilities of one when they are in one.

 

Left means left. All of you. Move to the left. Right would mean to the right, you know the whole right and left thing? And, by the way, I'll tell you when to stop, don't stop after moving three inches to the left. When I call stop, it also means that you don't join the wall on the right and screen your keeper. Moron, go cover someone on a run.

[imb]

To reiterate what I said earlier, Barrett is having a down defensive season much like Lee is having an up offensive season, although to different degrees. Barrett has been pretty mediocre this year defensively, but his previous seasons suggest he'll go back to being average/slightly below average. In regards to his offense, I think this year has cemented that his offensive outburst is for real. So going forward, Barrett is likely to maintain a high offensive output for his position, and likely to improve to previous norms(that are average for his position) defensively.

 

That's what the argument isn't taking into consideration. Barrett has been pretty bad defensively, but it isn't likely to continue. Many people, myself definitely included, get it in their minds that a person's defensive skill is what it is, that it never wavers. Truth is like any other part of performance that sometimes a player has streaks where they play above or below their ability/previous performance.

 

This is a good point. And, having played baseball and still playing soccer as a keeper, I can relate to what you're saying about defense (as you can as well). You know what you're capable of, physically and positionally. But, sometimes you're off your game, or you're just completely stopping everything. A little bit of luck and a little bit of confidence can make a difference. In soccer, the rest of your defense plays a pretty big role -- but so does the pitcher in baseball. If everything is placed correctly, you look great. Likewise, in soccer, if your defense is positioned correctly and covering the various angles, you look brilliant. (Or if your defense deigns to *listen* when you are calling out a far post run, or trying to place the wall... Have I recently mentioned that my team doesn't listen well?)

 

I'm convinced people in a wall take the job too seriously. That is they take on the mental capabilities of one when they are in one.

 

Left means left. All of you. Move to the left. Right would mean to the right, you know the whole right and left thing? And, by the way, I'll tell you when to stop, don't stop after moving three inches to the left. When I call stop, it also means that you don't join the wall on the right and screen your keeper. Moron, go cover someone on a run.

 

Ugh, no kidding. Wall positioning is one thing that I do not miss about soccer.