Gammons: Ten Spring Questions Left to Answer

[skmsw]

i find it hilarious that larussa thinks molina is "the best catcher in baseball."

We really don't know the context of his comments. Defensively, there's a very real argument to be made. And yes, there are some issues with blocking balls but the net value of his arm more than compensates.

Interestingly, the best catchers at throwing are often the worst at preventing passed balls and wild pitches -- and vice versa.

The best at preventing stolen bases are worth 5-10 runs per year above average. The best at preventing missed pitches are worth 4-6 runs above average. If memory serves, Yadi was +8 throwing and -3 preventing missed pitches in 2006. A net of about five runs above average for overall defense -- not much different than a handful of other guys.

[G. Keenan]

i find it hilarious that larussa thinks molina is "the best catcher in baseball."

I don't think he really believes that.

[TAZ]

The best at preventing stolen bases are worth 5-10 runs per year above average. The best at preventing missed pitches are worth 4-6 runs above average. If memory serves, Yadi was +8 throwing and -3 preventing missed pitches in 2006. A net of about five runs above average for overall defense -- not much different than a handful of other guys.

Oh, so Molina's average defensively because 5 is not as big as 8?? This is why stats are dangerous, this doesn't account for the games he ended on pick-off plays to Albert. It doesn't account for the way he handled Wainwright in the bottom of the 9th in NLCS against Beltran (handling the pitching staff is part of the defensive game and, supposedly, I think I heard this somewhere, a part of being a good catcher).

Maybe it's because I'm a pitcher, but I'd take Molina as my #1 everyday of the week, and twice on Sunday. I said that about Matheny the year after he left, and I think eventually Molina will be better.