FanPost

Let's talk about catchers



I'm going to display some ignorance here, because I don't know how to quantify catching intangibles. So I'm just going to kick things off with my random thoughts and see where things go from there.

I think the future of catching for the Brewers is Jonathan Lucroy. I don't see any area where Angel Salome has any significant advantage over him. Lucroy currently has a line of .263/.379/.401. The number that really jumps out is the OBP of .379. If you are looking at the batting average, you are seeing a mediocre AA guy. But if you look at his 62:53 BB/K ratio, you see a guy who has incredible plate discipline for a young player (or any player).

His arm strength has been described as average or fringy, but his quick release has him throwing out 40% of basestealers at AA, after nabbing 51% last year in A ball. Salome had 33% and 26% at AAA and AA respectively.

Lucroy has a .989 fielding percentage. Salome is at .979. FWIW Kendall has thrown out 21% this year after 43% last year. Kendall also has a .993 fielding percentage (.990 career).

I said all of that to say that everything that the Brewers do regarding catching should revolve around Jonathan Lucroy. And it might just be time to consider moving him up to AAA, with the idea that he become the MLB starter next year. Consider that over the last 14 days, his line is .400/.478/.575 - 1.053OPS. Over the last 28 days its .333/.446/.522 - .968OPS

So what do you do with Salome? He could be traded in the off season, but for now he could be promoted to the big club. Yes that means a demotion for BCB favorite Mike Rivera, but it would be a chance to showcase Salome a bit, especially if the Brewers are not in contention. Granted that craptastic line of .233/.300/.233 for the last 28 days is not going to fly, but Salome is still a valuable trade chip, and the Brewers should have moving him in the offseason as a highly regarded option.

So Kendall/Salome finish out this year, with Lucroy and Rivera in AAA. Trade Salome in the offseason for a pitcher or two. Next year Lucroy starts with Kendall or Rivera backing him up. Does that sound too aggressive? Does Lucroy need to just play AA for this year and AAA all of next year?

Either way I think Kendall has to become a bench guy next year or perhaps just move on. Whether its Salome or Lucroy, its time to promote a guy and take the growing pains they bring with them.