One of my all-time favorite players, Jason Varitek, is now a liability to the Red Sox. His OBP has always been low, but this year it is atrocious - .299. He is about the 30th-best offensive catcher in the majors as of today, depending on what stats you value most. He has remained useful the last few years because of his occasional power and his handling of pitchers. From 2001-2006, Red Sox pitchers had better ERA's with Tek catching. Usually much better. With young pitchers (Lester, Masterson, Buchholz) coming up and Dice-K and Okajima coming from Japan, it seemed natural to have the proverbial steady hand at the tiller. But that is a narrative, no longer borne out by the facts. Fans feel as if Varitek is the heart and soul of the team. I'd rather have OPS (or OW%), thanks.
The Sox need to bring up Dusty Brown, George Kottaras, or make a trade.
It won't happen this year, but it should.
3 comments:
30th?
Have you checked the batting averages of other catchers?
How about the Mariners catchers?
Johjima .213
Clement .171
Or the Angels?
Mathis .228
Napoli .204
Just another blogger throwing the captain under the bus I guess!
John Otness for Red Sox catcher. He is a member of the Covenant Church, was baptized by Bob Bergquist and has the better BA of the two catchers at Portland. And he has caught a knuckle ball pitcher. Hopefully, we will see him in action at the Fisher Cats game next week!
Of catchers with 100 AB, Varitek is 39th in BA, 34th in OBP, 32nd in OPS, 30th in SLG. 30th, upon reflection, was generous.
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