Baseball America Asks: Should Pablo Sandoval Catch?

Ben Badler posts an lengthly article on the merits of having Trash Can Head catch rather move to 3rd or 1st.

about 3 years ago WillieMaysHayes 19 comments 0 recs |

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Ben nailed it.

by wilriv21 on Jan 6, 2009 3:09 PM PST reply actions

I support this plan.

We don't really have that much pitching depth. We don't really have that much pitching depth. FOR GOD SAKE, VERUCA, DON'T GO FAKE TRADING JONATHAN SANCHEZ. We don't really have that much pitching depth

by oldjacket on Jan 6, 2009 3:15 PM PST reply actions

Sandoval is still listed as the backup catcher in the official depth chart

Unless they get another catcher, I don’t see that changing. So, I think Ben is kind of arguing a moot point.

The 2008-2009 offseason is driving me sane!

by hairball on Jan 6, 2009 3:35 PM PST reply actions

I thought a month or so ago Sabean said they’ll carry another catcher since they want Pablo to just concentrate on 3B

My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman

by Goofus on Jan 6, 2009 4:10 PM PST up reply actions

That Is What I Recall As Well

In 2009 the Giants want Sandoval to only have to worry about playing one positon so that he can focus on his offense which is where they see most of his value coming from.

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 4:23 PM PST up reply actions

It’s not like “Catcher’s Knees” won’t affect Posey either. IMO Sandoval should be the primary catcher for the finesse pitchers (Zito and I’m assuming Alderson?) who put the ball into play more where Posey’s athleticism might be better served in the in-field. Lincecum strikes out everyone anyways so he can mask Sandoval at third… hopefully.

by SeeingStars on Jan 6, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions

Perhaps not “Catcher’s Knees”, but what about the dreaded “Wii Elbow”?

Wall-E for Best Picture 2008

by Useful_Idiot on Jan 7, 2009 10:26 PM PST up reply actions

This

+109x109

Giants! Giants! HELP US GOD!

by j14 on Jan 6, 2009 3:42 PM PST reply actions

that is a very interesting article

I have bee wondering about Sandoval as a catcher and I think some of the comments from scouts are very interesting. I think it is certainly a good idea to keep letting him catch, I’m also one of those that hates the idea of him at 3B, and I think if he is the regular 1B, having him catch 40-60 games won’t mess him up there. I do think ultimately agree with the scouts who think he is going to be too big (very interesting that there has never been a regular catcher over 245 pounds) given how a 22 year’s old body goes, he’s likely heading for 260 rather than 230. I think this sums it up very well:

“He’s a good offensive player, but if he plays first base, he could be a great offensive player,” the scout added. "If he goes to catch, that’s probably going to hurt his offense.

by FluLikeSymptoms on Jan 6, 2009 3:46 PM PST reply actions

I think that "scout" is mistaken.

He’ll probably be better offensively in absolute terms, but much poorer in the context of his position. The bar is just set so much higher at 1B (.816 league average OPS) than behind the dish (.712); I think it’s unrealistic to expect the benefits of a less demanding position to eclipse that gap.

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Jan 6, 2009 4:15 PM PST up reply actions

I Think The Scout Sees What I See

Pablo has a real potential to be an elite offensive force and thus a real shot to compete with the very best offensive firstbaseman.

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 4:22 PM PST up reply actions

Disagree.

How about a Gentleman’s wager, my jewel encrusted monocle against your fine ivory pipe and silk smoking jacket?

VAE PVTO DEVS FIO

by Bhaakon on Jan 6, 2009 4:30 PM PST up reply actions

Petential And Probable Are Not One And The Same

That said, since I really don’t like my ivory pipe or my silk smoking jacket, you are on!

by giantsrainman on Jan 6, 2009 4:55 PM PST up reply actions

Pablo’s power has only just started to emerge in the last year and a half. Prior to 2007 he’d hit 4 hrs in 3 seasons in american pro ball. At 22 I think it would be a real mistake to assume that last year’s power spike was his ceiling, the last (and only) run on the ladder so to speak. He seems to be a classic “power develops last” guy and I think there’s plenty of room for more power development both left and right handed (where it didn’t develop near so much). Of course I’d like to see him tone up both his physique and his grasp of the strike zone, but that aside, it’s not unreasonable to look at him and think that he could have 30+ HR power potential.

Get the hell out the way Bengie, Pablito's hit the show!

by Roger on Jan 7, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions