What's the catch?
by Scott Christ on Jun 3, 2008 11:24 AM EDT
in Commentary & Analysis
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Manager Dave Trembley said he's heavily considered giving backup Guillermo Quiroz more frequent starts. "Ramon's a good catcher. He's done it for a long time," Trembley said. "But in order for us to have the success that we're looking to have, Ramon needs to play better. I think that's just the way it is."
Equally as important as Hernandez's struggles is the emergence of Quiroz as a viable catcher. The rookie has earned 16 starts as compared to Hernandez's 40-evidence that he's become more than just a Sunday afternoon catcher. Quiroz, signed Dec. 3, has been better defensively than Hernandez, evident in his throw to nail Boston speedster Jacoby Ellsbury Sunday.
Ummmm...
Right.
Listen.
In 20 games, Quiroz is hitting .224/.296/.306.
If that and the occasional good throw are what counts for "a viable catcher," then I guess I finally understand Pudge Rodriguez (.253/.289/.365 following last year's .281/.294/.420) still being so highly-regarded.
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I think Quiroz could be considered a viable option for this team, and here’s why:
1) He has been better than Ramon defensively, who just looks ridiculous out there lately. It was embarrassing watching the Red Sox run on him Saturday.
2) He’s been equally as bad as Hernandez offensively, with the exception of Ramon having a bit more power.
3) Those guys are the only two options this team needs. Because Weiters is waiting in the wings, there is nothing more the team needs to do besides wait.
Of course, “viable catcher” in the article clearly means viable as a major leaguer in general, not as an Oriole, so I can see what you’re saying. And Ramon’s hitting HAS to come around soon.
"We’re not concerned about what other teams think. I know teams come in here thinking we’re playing the Orioles. And then 9 innings later, they got the loss, they know what we’re about." ~Adam Jones
Well, Quiroz's
batting average might come up a bit with little more regular playing time, and while that wouldn’t make him starter worthy a .310-.320 OBP doesn’t kill a team from the catcher’s spot.
I was seriously thinking of doing a fanpost on how cooked Hernandez looked over the Red Sox series. Bad defense, plate approach failling apart, .250 OBP…Wieters can’t be up soon enough.
A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.
the thrwoing mechanics are one thing...
but i’m amazed how many balls seem to be getting by him. assessing him w/ only two PBs seems awfully charitable.
foghat goes with everything--birdman, 5/16/08
There has to be more to it
You’re right. The numbers don’t add up.
My guess is Tremblay is still pissed at Ramon for that stunt he pulled a few weeks back where he admired one of his routine fly ball outs instead of running to first base. I could be wrong, but maybe Ramon is a head case.
Ramon
Regained those 40 pounds rather quickly. He always seems to pull every single pitch, and sets up at weird (to me) positions, drastically off the plate, etc.
Quiroz at least seems to try to play his position well. Sometimes it’s just a matter of effort.
Quiroz should be the starter, I don’t care if he doesn’t hit; his job is to handle the pitchers and effectively manage the game and I believe he does that well, or at least better than Ramon.
Does anyone remember when Ramon Hernandez was a good defensive catcher?
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