Does LaRue Have Any Trade Value? - RedsZone.com - Cincinnati Reds Fans' Home for Baseball Discussion

Krusty · 09-14-2002, 01:00 AM

20 pass balls in one season is unheard of by a catcher. Obviously the Reds need to upgrade the position. But if you're another team looking for a catcher, what reasoning would you have to take LaRue?

WVRedsFan · 09-14-2002, 02:01 AM

None. Jason should not be on the major league roster. Yeah, he has come through in the clutch on four or five occasions, but the Reds need to look for another catcher.

westofyou · 09-14-2002, 02:09 AM

Quote:

20 pass balls in one season is unheard of by a catcher.

It would really be unheard of from a 3rd baseman.

Not to defend LaRue (I'll leave that windmill for someone else)

But..... it's more common then you'd think

Since 1950

Code:

 PASSED BALLS                  YEAR     PB       PB     
1    Geno Petralli            1987       35       35   
2    J.C. Martin              1965       33       33   
T3   Earl Williams            1972       28       28   
T3   Ted Simmons              1975       28       28   
T3   Gus Triandos             1959       28       28   
T6   Bob Uecker               1967       27       27   
T6   Bob Didier               1969       27       27   
8    Mike Macfarlane          1995       26       26   
T9   Dick Dietz               1970       25       25   
T9   Jason Varitek            1999       25       25   
T9   Ted Simmons              1973       25       25   
T12  Ed Herrmann              1973       24       24   
T12  J.C. Martin              1964       24       24   
T14  Benito Santiago          1993       23       23   
T14  Dick Bertell             1961       23       23   
16   Benito Santiago          1987       22       22   
T17  Joe Ginsberg             1959       21       21   
T17  Jody Davis               1983       21       21   
T17  Jesse Gonder             1964       21       21   
T17  John Bateman             1966       21       21   
T17  Fran Healy               1974       21       21   
T17  Gus Triandos             1961       21       21   
T17  Chad Kreuter             1989       21       21   
T17  Lance Parrish            1979       21       21   
T25  Phil Nevin               1998       20       20   
T25  Bill Freehan             1965       20       20   
T25  Ellie Rodriguez          1974       20       20   
T25  Geno Petralli            1988       20       20   
T25  Dick Dietz               1971       20       20   
T25  Luis Pujols              1982       20       20   
T25  Geno Petralli            1990       20       20   
T25  Don Slaught              1987       20       20   
T33  Ed Herrmann              1969       19       19   
T33  Lance Parrish            1991       19       19   
T33  Bob Boone                1973       19       19   
T33  Mark Bailey              1985       19       19   
T37  Earl Battey              1960       18       18   
T37  Tim McCarver             1965       18       18   
T37  Ted Simmons              1971       18       18   
T37  Milt May                 1975       18       18   
T37  Harry Chiti              1958       18       18   
T37  Tim McCarver             1971       18       18   
T37  Jorge Posada             2001       18       18   
T37  Ed Herrmann              1972       18       18   
T37  Joe Ferguson             1973       18       18   
T37  Mike Stanley             1996       18       18   
T37  Mike Stanley             1987       18       18   
T37  Jason Varitek            1998       18       18   
T37  Johnny Bench             1968       18       18   
T37  Brian Harper             1993       18       18   
T37  Donnie Scott             1984       18       18

Kc61 · 09-14-2002, 07:38 AM

20 passed balls, over 110 strikeouts, less than 30 walks. Terrible stats.

If Larue's only problem was the passed balls I might live with him at catcher. He got several catching the knuckleball and, if he could hit, I might live with this. But his only real attribute is his throwing arm and the Reds' lineup needs a stronger catcher. Other than pitching, getting a new starting catcher is the number one offseason priority in my view. Unless the Reds decide that Miller can be a starter I think they really need to acquire a new catcher.

09-14-2002, 09:45 AM

Rangers are gonna be in desperate need of a backstop once "Pudge" is wearing Bench RED!

RANDY IN INDY · 09-14-2002, 09:50 AM

Larue doesn't have a lot of trade value, and would probably be a throw in on any trade. The Reds need a catcher. I would not even be opposed to a guy like Joe Girardi, who can handle and stabalize a pitching staff and give you a clutch hit from time to time. Whoever they might go after, I would hope it would be someone who can handle a pitching staff and call a good game. And, of course, catch the baseball.

Krusty · 09-14-2002, 09:51 AM

Rodriguez has too many miles on him at age 31. He is in a similar stage as Bench was in his career. The knees were starting to bother him and the Reds ended up moving him to 3rd base, which was worse yet.

Montreal has two fine catchers in Marty Barrett and the left-handed swinging Schenider. If the Reds could get either one along with a pitcher like Tony Armas, that would be a good deal.

09-14-2002, 09:56 AM

Krusty,

I think "Pudge" stats at 31 are Monstorous compared to Bench.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/alltim...d?playerId=881

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/player...s?statsId=4680

Plus, Johnny rapidly declined in 1976 at age 29.......

Then bouced back with a 30 homer campaign in 1977.

Ivan Rodriguez, would make this lineup better in the 2 hole behind Larkin and in from of Griffey.

He will hit .300+30+100+ score 100+ smack 30-45 doubles, and win a gold glove.

Krusty · 09-14-2002, 10:04 AM

What you are saying about Rodriguez is the Rodriguez in the past. The injuries are starting to catch up with him after catching all those innings over the years. What he will ask for as a free agent and the risk involved isn't worth the Reds to pursue given their tight budget and the need for starting pitching.

RANDY IN INDY · 09-14-2002, 10:34 AM

The Reds can't afford Rodriguez anyway.

Krusty · 09-14-2002, 11:42 AM

Considering the Reds catchers bat eighth in the lineup, I can live with their weak bats. Just give us solid defense baby. With LaRue, he has killed us defensively this season more ways than one.

scubba steve · 09-14-2002, 11:52 AM

LaRue is a backup on most of the other MLB rosters. But, for some reason, LaRue is starting over Miller, even Stinnet for that fact. Like Krusty says, I just want a good defensive catcher, that can bat .250. LaRue is certainly NOT that.

westofyou · 09-14-2002, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Then bouced back with a 30 homer campaign in 1977.

Don't forget to add that he never had more than 465 AB's in a season after that too... or that he was 29 in 1977 and that he never had more than 20 2b's after 77 or that he only had more than 120 hits once in his last 6 years.

All because he by the age of 30 he had caught 1600 games.

Ivan = Pass and that doesn't include the fact that he doesn't fit in our "budget'.

Just like Rolen and Sosa and Maddox and Castillo and every other high priced FA vet.

Kc61 · 09-14-2002, 12:19 PM

Krusty, I really disagree with you on this one. As Larkin gets older, with the prospect of a weaker hitting shortstop, we should have a catcher who can hold his own hitting 7th or maybe even 6th in the lineup. Upgrading Larue does not only mean less passed balls. It means a decent offensive player.

Larue's strikeouts to walks ratio is a disgrace. He is toast against a breaking pitch low and outside. If you go with a receiver who can't hit, the bottom of the order becomes an easy target. I know a middle of the order catcher is hard to get, but a solid .260 guy with some strike zone judgment is necessary.

Somebody suggested a deal with Montreal. Looks like the Reds may match up well with them.

PuffyPig · 09-14-2002, 12:19 PM

Larue has trade value. He's the best catcher in baseball at throwing out basestealers. He's, at worst, an average hitting catcher. He's got some power, and drives in runs. He's a bit of a clutch hitter. His PB's are abysmal, but if 10 is average(?), and considering a number came with Fernandez, is 20 really costing us so much? Certainly not enough to say he has no trade value. We will not get Rodriquez. It would be a ridiculous signing for a small market team.

09-14-2002, 01:00 AM	#1
Krusty Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 12,311	Does LaRue Have Any Trade Value? 20 pass balls in one season is unheard of by a catcher. Obviously the Reds need to upgrade the position. But if you're another team looking for a catcher, what reasoning would you have to take LaRue?

09-14-2002, 09:45 AM	#5
J-Rod Guest Posts: n/a	Texas Rangers are gonna be in desperate need of a backstop once "Pudge" is wearing Bench RED!

09-14-2002, 11:52 AM	#12
scubba steve Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 371	LaRue is a backup on most of the other MLB rosters. But, for some reason, LaRue is starting over Miller, even Stinnet for that fact. Like Krusty says, I just want a good defensive catcher, that can bat .250. LaRue is certainly NOT that. __________________ Sony High Definition TV: $2000 Digitable Cabe: $50 Watching Peter Gammons "inform" on Baseball Tonight: Priceless

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09-14-2002, 02:01 AM	#2
WVRedsFan Lime in da Coconut Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Rainelle, WV Posts: 7,711	None. Jason should not be on the major league roster. Yeah, he has come through in the clutch on four or five occasions, but the Reds need to look for another catcher.

09-14-2002, 07:38 AM	#4
Kc61 Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 10,828	20 passed balls, over 110 strikeouts, less than 30 walks. Terrible stats. If Larue's only problem was the passed balls I might live with him at catcher. He got several catching the knuckleball and, if he could hit, I might live with this. But his only real attribute is his throwing arm and the Reds' lineup needs a stronger catcher. Other than pitching, getting a new starting catcher is the number one offseason priority in my view. Unless the Reds decide that Miller can be a starter I think they really need to acquire a new catcher.

09-14-2002, 09:50 AM	#6
RANDY IN INDY Matt's Dad Join Date: May 2000 Location: Brownsburg, Indiana Posts: 14,502	Larue doesn't have a lot of trade value, and would probably be a throw in on any trade. The Reds need a catcher. I would not even be opposed to a guy like Joe Girardi, who can handle and stabalize a pitching staff and give you a clutch hit from time to time. Whoever they might go after, I would hope it would be someone who can handle a pitching staff and call a good game. And, of course, catch the baseball.

09-14-2002, 09:51 AM	#7
Krusty Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 12,311	Rodriguez has too many miles on him at age 31. He is in a similar stage as Bench was in his career. The knees were starting to bother him and the Reds ended up moving him to 3rd base, which was worse yet. Montreal has two fine catchers in Marty Barrett and the left-handed swinging Schenider. If the Reds could get either one along with a pitcher like Tony Armas, that would be a good deal.

09-14-2002, 09:56 AM	#8
J-Rod Guest Posts: n/a	Krusty, I think "Pudge" stats at 31 are Monstorous compared to Bench. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/alltim...d?playerId=881 http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/player...s?statsId=4680 Plus, Johnny rapidly declined in 1976 at age 29....... Then bouced back with a 30 homer campaign in 1977. Ivan Rodriguez, would make this lineup better in the 2 hole behind Larkin and in from of Griffey. He will hit .300+30+100+ score 100+ smack 30-45 doubles, and win a gold glove.

09-14-2002, 10:04 AM	#9
Krusty Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 12,311	What you are saying about Rodriguez is the Rodriguez in the past. The injuries are starting to catch up with him after catching all those innings over the years. What he will ask for as a free agent and the risk involved isn't worth the Reds to pursue given their tight budget and the need for starting pitching.

09-14-2002, 10:34 AM	#10
RANDY IN INDY Matt's Dad Join Date: May 2000 Location: Brownsburg, Indiana Posts: 14,502	The Reds can't afford Rodriguez anyway.

09-14-2002, 11:42 AM	#11
Krusty Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Williamsport, PA Posts: 12,311	Considering the Reds catchers bat eighth in the lineup, I can live with their weak bats. Just give us solid defense baby. With LaRue, he has killed us defensively this season more ways than one.

09-14-2002, 12:19 PM	#14
Kc61 Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 10,828	Krusty, I really disagree with you on this one. As Larkin gets older, with the prospect of a weaker hitting shortstop, we should have a catcher who can hold his own hitting 7th or maybe even 6th in the lineup. Upgrading Larue does not only mean less passed balls. It means a decent offensive player. Larue's strikeouts to walks ratio is a disgrace. He is toast against a breaking pitch low and outside. If you go with a receiver who can't hit, the bottom of the order becomes an easy target. I know a middle of the order catcher is hard to get, but a solid .260 guy with some strike zone judgment is necessary. Somebody suggested a deal with Montreal. Looks like the Reds may match up well with them.

09-14-2002, 12:19 PM	#15
PuffyPig Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,703	Larue has trade value. He's the best catcher in baseball at throwing out basestealers. He's, at worst, an average hitting catcher. He's got some power, and drives in runs. He's a bit of a clutch hitter. His PB's are abysmal, but if 10 is average(?), and considering a number came with Fernandez, is 20 really costing us so much? Certainly not enough to say he has no trade value. We will not get Rodriquez. It would be a ridiculous signing for a small market team.