39.1 Checking the Locks: Catcher
Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2019 6:55 pm
This is a series where I will evaluate the options in each position leading into Spring Training. This is the first of eleven parts. I will be taking a look into the catcher position in this post.
Sure fire locks: Eric Fabre
Near lock: David Katzenbogen
Trying to get in the door: Larry Ledezma
After a fantastic Landis series where Fabre returned to form a bit, he will continue to be the top option at catcher for the 2039 season. Last year's acquisition, Katzenbogen provided some competition at the position and started some games toward the tail end of the regular season. However, as the importance of the games grew, Katzenbogen was barely seen, only getting one at bat through 23 games in the postseason. It was for good reason though as Fabre batted .359/.412/.564 in 78 at bats during the playoffs. Fabre has a really poor regular season at the plate though batting only .231/.284/.346 for a 0.4 WAR in 2038 after a 4.7 WAR season in 2037, so it will be interesting to see if Katzenbogen and Fabre split more time like they have been, choosing Katzenbogen's defensive prowess over Fabre's possibly better bat. The other thing that makes this decision more difficult is that Fabre not only had a better caught stealing percentage than Katzenbogen, he was one of the better catchers in the league in that area at over 30% of steal attempts thrown out. That may be misleading though because just a year earlier Fabre only threw out 23% of runners, so who knows what to expect from Fabre this season.
Ledezma will continue to wait patiently for his opportunity. He's a great option to have as a bat, but his poor defense behind the plate will always put him behind the 8 ball in making the roster. Carrying three catchers is always difficult as well if none of them can play another position.
Sure fire locks: Eric Fabre
Near lock: David Katzenbogen
Trying to get in the door: Larry Ledezma
After a fantastic Landis series where Fabre returned to form a bit, he will continue to be the top option at catcher for the 2039 season. Last year's acquisition, Katzenbogen provided some competition at the position and started some games toward the tail end of the regular season. However, as the importance of the games grew, Katzenbogen was barely seen, only getting one at bat through 23 games in the postseason. It was for good reason though as Fabre batted .359/.412/.564 in 78 at bats during the playoffs. Fabre has a really poor regular season at the plate though batting only .231/.284/.346 for a 0.4 WAR in 2038 after a 4.7 WAR season in 2037, so it will be interesting to see if Katzenbogen and Fabre split more time like they have been, choosing Katzenbogen's defensive prowess over Fabre's possibly better bat. The other thing that makes this decision more difficult is that Fabre not only had a better caught stealing percentage than Katzenbogen, he was one of the better catchers in the league in that area at over 30% of steal attempts thrown out. That may be misleading though because just a year earlier Fabre only threw out 23% of runners, so who knows what to expect from Fabre this season.
Ledezma will continue to wait patiently for his opportunity. He's a great option to have as a bat, but his poor defense behind the plate will always put him behind the 8 ball in making the roster. Carrying three catchers is always difficult as well if none of them can play another position.