Reds sign C Miguel Olivo

[lollipopcurve]

Does anyone actually think that Olivio is going to be on the REDS roster and not in Louisville playing platoon with Corky?

Even money on him or Mes in Louisville. I very much doubt Olivo would sign in Cincy without assurances he's in an open competition for a spot on the 25 man.

[Captain13]

John Heyman is tweeting that The Reds and Olivo are nearing a deal.

[Captain13]

I think Olivo will be the #2 and Mes will start in Louisville with daily lessons from Corky. Awesome signing in my book.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by Captain13

I think Olivo will be the #2 and Mes will start in Louisville with daily lessons from Corky. Awesome signing in my book.

Last two seasons Olivo has 27 walks and 225 strikeouts. And a poor reputation as a defensive catcher. What is to like? He is atrocious at the plate and poor behind it.

[cumberlandreds]

A good depth signing. Unless there's an injury I think he will be in Louisville as an insurance policy.

[mace]

This year's Dioner Navarro, minus the left-handed component. Have been expecting a signing like this. As much as I love Corky, they needed an emergency veteran. Plus, Olivo has legitimate power. In the meantime, he'll presumably help develop the AAA pitchers.

[dougdirt]

Olivo is well known to be a poor defensive catcher. Not sure how much developing he will be helping the pitchers do.

[Brutus]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

Olivo is well known to be a poor defensive catcher. Not sure how much developing he will be helping the pitchers do.

Well, you must acknowledge there's a difference between being good at handling pitchers and being a good defensive catcher. A catcher can call a good game and handle pitchers well and not physically be a good defensive catcher.

[OnBaseMachine]

Good depth signing. But I want Mesoraco in Cincinnati.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by Brutus

Well, you must acknowledge there's a difference between being good at handling pitchers and being a good defensive catcher. A catcher can call a good game and handle pitchers well and not physically be a good defensive catcher.

Then sign him to be a coach.

[Kc61]

Olivo deal is being reported as a minor league deal and an invitation to spring training.

[Captain13]

The guy hit at least 10 HRs a year in Seattle each of the past 7 seasons, it gives Mes a chance to catch everyday and learn from Corky. Power on the bench is a good thing. Young players playing everyday is a good thing. Mes teamed with Corky for a season is a great thing. Hannigan playing every day is good thing. So Olivo isn't going to throw out (m)any baserunners; I think the other things this does makes it a great signing.

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by Captain13

The guy hit at least 10 HRs a year in Seattle each of the past 7 seasons, it gives Mes a chance to catch everyday and learn from Corky. Power on the bench is a good thing. Young players playing everyday is a good thing. Mes teamed with Corky for a season is a great thing. Hannigan playing every day is good thing. So Olivo isn't going to throw out (m)any baserunners; I think the other things this does makes it a great signing.

Hanigan can't play every day. So every day that he can't, you probably trot out the worst catcher in MLB. Hanigan is an excellent defensive catcher. Mesoraco is an above-average one. Olivo is TERRIBLE. At the plate, Hanigan can hit. Mesoraco, even last year, was ok for a catcher. Olivo sucks at hitting.

Getting Mesoraco more playing time is nice, but at the expense of sucking some life out of your offense and hurting your pitching staff?

[klw]

Originally Posted by Kc61

Olivo deal is being reported as a minor league deal and an invitation to spring training.

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/297425025609388032

#Reds sign C Miguel Olivo to minor league contract with an invitation to Major League spring training camp.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/0...uel-olivo.html

Olivo, 34, played for the Mariners in 2012, appearing in 87 games. The right-handed hitter posted a .222/.239/.381 batting line with 12 home rune in 323 plate appearances. He hit for more power against left-handers than right-handers last year, which isn't surprising considering his career line of .270/.303/.477 against southpaws.

[Brutus]

Originally Posted by dougdirt

Then sign him to be a coach.

I think a lot of coaches would say that there's no substitution for in-game experience, and sometimes a catcher that can provide that sort of mentorship is invaluable.

If the guy can hit and theoretically call a good game, it probably outweighs being a poor defensive catcher.