There seems to be some disagreement in one of my worlds about this guy:

http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=2397006

I planned on using him a BL catcher(platoon) next season but am attempting to trade him. A few haters say he's not a catcher. I obviously disagree. I expect his AA/AS to top out in the low 60s. That's good enough for me(check my Cooperstown catchers). A few claim I'm blowing smoke as the guy is only fit to be a weak DH.

What say ye, general population of HBD?

If AS/AA truly do wind up in the 60's, he's a passable big-league C, IMO.
But, *right now* I wouldn't be too keen on playing him, and his make-up suggests he might stay in the 50's with those rating.

Very borderline with those arm ratings. I wouldn't want him as my primary catcher with those poor arm ratings. And my second catcher is usually a defensive specialist. But I value defense, so my perception is a bit jaded.

If he were my guy, at best he would be an injury-replacement or roster expansion guy. Maybe a pinch-hitter if I had an extra spot on my bench.

He's only in his third pro season. With 58/55/75, I'm pretty sure he'll be 60/58/75+ next year. I'd use him as a LH platoon without hesitition. I'd obviously have a better D catcher on the bench for late-inning replacement.

Don't get me wrong. He's not an ideal catcher. But, in this world where things were a little sideways(15 openings), you have to make concessions while your correct the previous wrongs. From that draft, I expect 8-11 players I took to eventually see some time in the bigs.

Quote: Originally Posted By hypnotoad on 11/06/2009If AS/AA truly do wind up in the 60's, he's a passable big-league C, IMO.
But, *right now* I wouldn't be too keen on playing him, and his make-up suggests he might stay in the 50's with those rating

His actual projections are in the 50s. Only a 2m adv. scouting budget bumps them to 60.

Well, I am in that league and his Arm projections will not be as high as you think Mike...

That being said, for me personally his arm isnt rated high enough to be a full time catcher FOR ME....but I can see how some would use him in a BL role...

Uh, I don't use projections, I use progression. I think I've been pretty clear on this. At his expected rate of PROGRESSION, I see him at 60/58/75+ at the beginning of next season. I may be a point off but I've been doing this awhile. I think I know what I'm doing.

And, as previously noted, jsturgis told a n00b not to put too much stock in projections just yesterday. Now he appears to live by them.

Futhermore, I don't get excited if a guy is one point from what I deem acceptable. I'm not about to trash a player because that 60 is ONLY a 59. That's like saying "I only use 90 range at SS. No way does that 89 guy make the cut."

Odd little (literally, he's 5'9" 190) back-up catcher, mediocre (but not bad) hitter with a mediocre arm and solid PC. Agree with crabman; I prefer my backup C to be a defensive replacement or a PH, and this guy lacks a useful central skill, but I can see him as a backup for a primary C who lacks durability, as you could spot start this guy against teams that don't run.

I'd use him as a backup, but not a starter.

I'm no Hall of Famer, but I choose my catchers, defensively at least, almost entirely by their PC ratings. I'd rather have a lower ERA than worry about base stealers. I don't want a guy with a sub-50 arm, but beyond that, I don't care. I'd be more worried about his CON. Not that I haven't occasionally used a DH at C if his PC is in the 40s, but that's an exception. To me, at least, this guy has a better chance of being a defensive replacement than he does of being a DH ... basically, I've got way too many DHs to let a 41 CON anywhere near the position.

Quote: Originally posted by MikeT23 on 11/06/2009Uh, I don't use projections, I use progression.   I think I've been pretty clear on this.   At his expected rate of PROGRESSION, I see him at 60/58/75+ at the beginning of next season.   I may be a point off but I've been doing this awhile.   I think I know what I'm doing.

Just curious, why do you see him as 60/58/75+? I use projections and progression (I find projections valuable for first and 2nd year guys a lot more). It's only a point or 2, but I don't see him getting to 58 next year by any means. He only improved 3 in that category over all of last season, and hasn't improved in it other than spring training. I'd say 56. And since he went up 2 in AS the last 2 years I'd say 59, but he'll probably top out at that for his career. 75+ is probably pretty certain. I'd go....76.

As for the catcher, he's capable of playing C but I'd much rather not. I value eye in hitting more than most, and my y platoon catcher is usually the best defensive one and I go offense with the righty

Not an ideal C, but his hitting and PC are such that I'd give him a shot.

I'd keep him in while I was winning, but he'd be one of my first tweaks if things go pear-shaped.