Aaron_Kennelly

Maybe we'll quit whining about fly outs in the third inning, next time? Oh who am I kidding?

Oh my god, he's so good.

God-mode reactivated.

Jake?

Another well struck ball by Addi, though.

Ugh. Jorge.

They've lost control. We've broken their will to live.

I forgot how much I hated him. And, holding your glove still for ten seconds serves no purpose other than to annoy me, Cervelli.

Rizzo!

God-mode deactivated.

Yuck.

That's a big out.

Jorge, Jorge, Jorge.

Man, that stuff is nasty.

God-mode activated.

What's the wind doing today?

I'm sorry but what are you upset about now? That we didn't call up Contreras along with Montero?

I would assume Federowicz serves as an insurance policy in case there is a flare up with Montero's back. Also Ross is probably a little worn down with all the games he's caught, being that he is 39. It lets Federowicz serve as the backup for a few days, while Ross chills and waits for Lester's start.

But, why? We have two solid catching options as it is. One is gone after this season. One is signed through next season. If you call up Contreras and he sucks, then what do you do next year, when Montero is on a different roster already? It's set up just about perfectly as it is. Let Contreras continue to develop in AAA this year. Keep rolling with our really nice tandem of veteran catchers on our amazing team at the big league level. Call up Contreras near the end of the year to give him a little experience. Then roll with Contreras and Montero next year, as Ross retires. An expanded role for Ross is a pretty bad idea, anyway. The man's 39. Sure, he was able to fill in for Montero for a couple weeks. But, I really don't want to push the envelope for a whole season with him. Also, Montero is good. Why run him off a good team?

Well, it sounds like you think Edwards is just the most talented arm (player?) in the system. I don't think he's really earned anything, as he has been trending down for awhile. My complaint is merely in your use of the word "earned." I won't go any farther in an argument over semantics. And I really don't care to debate Edwards/Contreras any longer. I hope they both are amazing and that they both help us in the immediate-to-near future.

Yes, I know, we've been through this interminable loop before: It doesn't matter that he walks a metric ton of guys because minor league hitters are unable to hit him. And who cares that he is but a relief pitcher? And lol at Logan Watkins. I don't see what that has to do with this. Willson Contreras is an actual prospect that was named the organization's Minor League Player of the Year. He's pretty clearly earned it -- which was my point, not that earning that award says anything of a player's future prospects. I mean, the guy was named by practically every outlet as the best catching prospect in baseball, even though there was trepidation that he was a one-year wonder. And, yet, he's been even more impressive at the start of this season. I don't care what you think of Willson Contreras as a prospect. Granted, I think you are wrong. But to act as if he hasn't earned something is downright loony.

Yes, the relief pitcher whose prospects of starting went by the wayside, and who proceeded to walk 6 guys per 9 innings out of the pen is the only one who has earned a spot on our major league roster. Our catcher who was named our organization's Minor League Player of the Year last year, after hitting .333 and carrying an 11% BB-rate and 12% K-rate hasn't earned a job as a major league player. Never mind that he has been even better this year.

Jeff Locke vs. this offense seems like trouble. And that's not even factoring in Arrieta being on the mound for us. This better be a run differential game.

He's been an exemplary backup catcher. And this version of him has actually been good, too -- like, actually good. His contact rate is way up. He's been way more discerning at the plate. His power is way up. His peripherals look like David Ross during his prime. And he looked like he was toast at the plate last year. I don't understand it, but I am totally cool with it. He's going out with a bang, a la Jim Edmonds circa 2008. And he's a cool dude that everyone likes and respects. I'm not sure the value of clubhouse chemistry and having leaders in the clubhouse. But it sure doesn't hurt to have a guy like him around. He's essentially another manager, and he can tell guys when they are horsefeathering up and they will listen. With all the young guys, it's great to have a role model like that. And, as for what you ask for from a backup catcher, he's checked all the boxes. He's stepped up strong when the starter went down. He's fantastic defensively, at basically every aspect of catching. He's a terrific framer. He's controlled the running game, even while catching a guy who is seemingly incapable of controlling the running game. He's made a number of big plays in crucial spots, picking guys off or whatever. And he's freaking hitting now. His walk-up music is awesome. All the cool young guys that are studs seem to love him. What more can you ask?