Is Hanigan a legitimate catching fixture for the Reds?

[fearofpopvol1]

I know his sample size is still small...but the dude is a lot better than what we've had.

He's not a power guy...he's never going to be a power guy so OPS isn't going to be a flashy stat for him. But he gets on base...whether it be by singles or walks. His current OBP is almost 400! His plate discipline is very good...the guy always gives a good AB. And even though the guy had a bit of a rough game tonight behind the plate, his defense is very good. His arm is great and he does a great job of blocking the plate and doing all the right things. He calls a good game too.

[redsfandan]

Imo, he has to be the starting catcher in '09. Beyond that we'll have to play it by ear a little as far as other options.

[Benihana]

He's making a push for ROY candidacy. I'd say that's pretty good.

However once (if) Votto comes back, he will unfortunately see his role reduced, which is a shame, as I'd like to see if the kid is for real before going into next year.

[fearofpopvol1]

He's making a push for ROY candidacy. I'd say that's pretty good.

However once (if) Votto comes back, he will unfortunately see his role reduced, which is a shame, as I'd like to see if the kid is for real before going into next year.

Hernandez is putting up similar numbers. Granted, he's getting on base less, but his power numbers are obviously much better.

I would think (and even hope) that once Votto comes back, Hanigan at least gets more PT than he was getting before, even if he is the "back-up."

[Benihana]

Hernandez is putting up similar numbers. Granted, he's getting on base less, but his power numbers are obviously much better.

I would think (and even hope) that once Votto comes back, Hanigan at least gets more PT than he was getting before, even if he is the "back-up."

Agree

[PuffyPig]

He's making a push for ROY candidacy. I'd say that's pretty good.

He's not a rookie.

[Boss-Hog]

He's not a rookie.

I don't know how long he was on the 25 man roster last year, but he did not accrue enough plate appearances in 2008 to use his rookie status.

[redsmetz]

I don't know how long he was on the 25 man roster last year, but he did not accrue enough plate appearances in 2008 to use his rookie status.

Here's what I found at http://www.usml.net/rookie.html

A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a major league club or clubs during the period of a 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service).

He was shy of the 130 AB's. In '07, his time was after the rosters were expanded and last season he was only up about 20 days before September 1st, so technically, I think he still is a rookie.

[hebroncougar]

I'd almost split the playing time between the two, let Hanigan learn from game calling skills. 2 above average catchers are better than one, and a catcher needs rest to be effective in August and September. I hope the Reds still matter in the division or wild card race at that point.

[Will M]

agree with all.

fantastic defense & can actually hit. yes he has no power but his OPS is very good due to high average & high OBP.

definitely pencilled in as the starting catcher for 120 games in 2010.

[RedsManRick]

The Reds seem to have really struggled with their philosophy towards breaking in players at the major league level. I completely understand not wanting to hand over a job to a guy who has yet to perform in the majors. But unless the guy is an absolute stud, it seems they have a lot of trouble making the switch when the guy does perform.

Guys like Dickerson and Hanigan should allow you to get an acceptable level of performance while giving you the opportunity to spend resources filling a big hole with an impact player. Instead, they routinely end up stuck in back up roles behind players who cost a few million bucks and provide no more production.

[mth123]

The Reds seem to have really struggled with their philosophy towards breaking in players at the major league level. I completely understand not wanting to hand over a job to a guy who has yet to perform in the majors. But unless the guy is an absolute stud, it seems they have a lot of trouble making the switch when the guy does perform.

Guys like Dickerson and Hannigan should allow you to get an acceptable level of performance while giving you the opportunity to spend resources filling a big hole with an impact player. Instead, they routinely end up stuck in back up roles behind players who cost a few million bucks and provide no more production.

[VR]

Joe Oliverish.

[SMcGavin]

The Reds seem to have really struggled with their philosophy towards breaking in players at the major league level. I completely understand not wanting to hand over a job to a guy who has yet to perform in the majors. But unless the guy is an absolute stud, it seems they have a lot of trouble making the switch when the guy does perform.

Guys like Dickerson and Hanigan should allow you to get an acceptable level of performance while giving you the opportunity to spend resources filling a big hole with an impact player. Instead, they routinely end up stuck in back up roles behind players who cost a few million bucks and provide no more production.

Agree on Dickerson, not on Hanigan. He had a career .754 OPS at AAA. Suggesting the Reds should have saved resources by not acquiring a catcher in the offseason is revisionist history IMO. Now if Hanigan keeps performing this year and the Reds go spend bucks on a catcher again next offseason, I'll agree with you. But knowing only what we did in the offseason, going with him as your everyday guy would have been a huge gamble. I think the Reds have handled Hanigan correctly.

[RedsManRick]

Agree on Dickerson, not on Hanigan. He had a career .754 OPS at AAA. Suggesting the Reds should have saved resources by not acquiring a catcher in the offseason is revisionist history IMO. Now if Hanigan keeps performing this year and the Reds go spend bucks on a catcher again next offseason, I'll agree with you. But knowing only what we did in the offseason, going with him as your everyday guy would have been a huge gamble. I think the Reds have handled Hanigan correctly.

I don't believe I've suggested that the Reds should not have pursued other options. At least with Hernandez, his salary was largely offset by dealing Freel. What I disapprove of failing to give young guys additional playing time when they perform well.