The Reds are trying to win the World Series. If Mesoraco is better than Olivo, he should be up here.
This isn't the 2000's Reds. We're trying to win.
edabbs44 (04-06-2013),Wonderful Monds (04-06-2013)
There have been nearly 200 rookie catchers that have debuted since 2000. Mesoraco ranks 68th on the list in terms of PAs. That's the top third.
Those around (within 15 or so PAs) and below him include:
AJ Ellis
Hank Conger
Michael McHenry
Ryan Lavarnway
Dioner Navarro
Brian McCann
Carlos Santana
Matthew LeCroy
Salvador Perez
Yadier Molina
Jason LaRue
Paul LoDuca
The idea that he didn't get enough ABs is simply incorrect.
I'm glad that you are sure that Mesoraco is not going to be hindered. It can't be both ways. Some people are suggesting that Mesoraco "sucked" last season at the plate, and not because of limited AB's. A lot of rookies, and young players are not really suited and do not thrive in back up rolls. If playing behind Hannigan hinders the development of a young player with much potential and that player does not produce in a "backup" role, are you really accomplishing anything positive? Putting the best players on the roster does not necessarily mean the "best" players. If a player is ill suited or cannot adapt and perform in a role, it doesn't do the team or that player much good. Would rather see him in AAA than sitting 4 out of 5 days.
Last edited by RollyInRaleigh; 04-06-2013 at 02:56 PM.
Of all the catchers who've debuted over the course of a dozen years, Mesoraco garnered more playing time than most, despite producing among the worst. This should show that Baker and the Reds didn't, as many have insisted, do much differently than any other team in the game.
His playing time, as discussed above, was primarily against the dregs of the league, so Baker tried to spot start him to take advantage of matchups/ bad pitchers.
In other words, the only two bullets in the gun of those pushing the "Mesoraco was screwed" meme are blanks.
Carlos Santana came up on June 11th his rookie year. He started 46 games before going to the DL on August 3rd. He is on your list. His season isn't close to what Mesoraco did. He started almost every day, but came up mid season and then got hurt.
Brian McCann came up June 10th his rookie year. He started 49 games the rest of the season (out of 100).
I didn't look beyond that, but neither of those seasons are close to the season Mesoraco had in terms of playing time.
I agree that he sucked last season in his role, which is why Navarro was brought up late in the season and finished the season replacing Mes. I don't think it had anything to do with the number of AB's he got, but rather he just wasn't major league ready and as the season progressed they decided to go another route. This is another season and Navarro isn't around, and it was decided that Mes is the second best catcher in the organization and is on the roster as a backup, given another opportunity. He may never be entirely suited as a role player, but he is still their best option.
And while I cannot be completely sure his development isn't being hindered, I don't believe these guys need to be treated with kid gloves. Mes is a professional baseball player and if playing behind Hanigan for a few seasons is "hindering" his development, then he probably has bigger problems.
This is the big leagues. It's about winning games, not about player development.
If only we had a system where a young player could get plenty of playing time and work on his skills in a low-pressure environment where development is more important than wins or losses. Oh, wait ...
You have to look a little deeper though. McCann was competing against 37 year old Eddie Perez, who retired after the season, and Johnny Estrada. The Indians decided to go with Santana because their team sucked and they went the route of a youth movement.
The Reds current situation is entirely a different animal.
I really don't understand why this is so conveniently dismissed. I can't comprehend why so many people want so badly to remove a very productive player from the starting lineup.
It's like everyone forgot it's not 2000-2009 anymore, and we are more than a major league farm team again.
reds44 (04-06-2013)
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