Catcher is a Deceptively Simple Term
A catcher’s primary purpose, to put it in the simplest form, is to catch the ball. In terms of catching a ball, Charles Johnson may have been among the best ever.
2001 Finest Origins
Good News: Jermaine Dye is a HR Hitter. Bad News: Jermaine Dye is a HR Hitter.
Which set of stats should I believe? Jermaine Dye showed some very good batting skills over the course of his career, averaging nearly 30 HRs/100 RBIs per 162 games. Joe Posnanski pointed out that Dye’s 2006 season would have won him the 1988 National League Triple Crown. Yet he barely averaged one win above replacement over the same period and his wOBA is just in the .350s.
The Non-Catcher
Kansas City Royals prospects are graded on a pretty steep curve. They’re either considered the next George Brett or on their way to a different team.
Fonzie Trivia
Here’s a bit of baseball bar trivia to store away: Infielder Edgardo Alfonzo put up more wins above replacement for the Mets than either Mike Piazza or Keith Hernandez.
2001 Finest Origins Scott Rolen
Playing an entire career with a single team does something to break the brains of baseball fans. Guys with “team loyalty” are given way more leeway and ranked higher than similar performers with a few more airline miles under their belt. I’ve always preferred it when players shuffle around more, going to where they can best perform and leaving dysfunctional organizations. That makes me a Scott Rolen fan.
The Invisible Line Between Good and Great
Just how far can a baseball player decline from peak performance before fans begin sounding like Ray in Field of Dreams? The career arc of Andruw Jones may provide some insight into where this invisible border between peak and longevity lies.
Taking a Swing (and Hitting) Any Ball Within Reach of a Bat
The strike zone is whatever size you want it to be.
Just 11 Votes?
I agree that Jim Edmonds isn’t a Hall of Famer, but expected the decision to be a much closer affair.
Briefly a New York Met in ’01 Origins
Preston Wilson played all of 8 games with the Mets, the team most associated with his uncle/step-dad.
Could This Be the Best Expo/Nats Second Baseman?
Looking solely at player output in the club’s uniform, which second baseman contributed the most to Expos/Nats history?