really interesting article! Nice Work!

I remember one of the years that Jeffers and Vazquez alternated religiously that Jeffers had a slightly better cERA. Over a long season the randomness should be squeezed out. I think Jeffers is a pretty good handler of pitchers, he doesn't throw particularly well and at best average blocking and framing, but calling a good game makes up for most of his deficiencies. I don't know how long he'll be out, but for his and the Twins' sake it is before the trading deadline. 

21 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I remember one of the years that Jeffers and Vazquez alternated religiously that Jeffers had a slightly better cERA. Over a long season the randomness should be squeezed out. I think Jeffers is a pretty good handler of pitchers, he doesn't throw particularly well and at best average blocking and framing, but calling a good game makes up for most of his deficiencies. I don't know how long he'll be out, but for his and the Twins' sake it is before the trading deadline. 

Do you think there is a  difference between the abilities Caratini and Jeffers to manage a game? I don’t disagree about the randomness of cERA with the many variables that impact it. I do believe there can be significant differences in the ability of catchers to manage a game with a pitcher. 

9 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Do you think there is a  difference between the abilities Caratini and Jeffers to manage a game? I don’t disagree about the randomness of cERA with the many variables that impact it. I do believe there can be significant differences in the ability of catchers to manage a game with a pitcher. 

I think the biggest part is randomness, but I also think calling a game and working with a pitcher are skills that can't be easily measured. The "working with the pitcher" piece might vary widely between pitchers. For example. maybe Jeffers really connects with Ober while Caratini brings out the best of Bradley or vice versa. Pitchers working with catchers they trust might have just enough more confidence to slip a strike on the inside corner with a 90 mph fastball. 

On 5/19/2026 at 4:42 PM, jorgenswest said:

Do you think there is a  difference between the abilities Caratini and Jeffers to manage a game? I don’t disagree about the randomness of cERA with the many variables that impact it. I do believe there can be significant differences in the ability of catchers to manage a game with a pitcher. 

Personalities, trust, comfort... lots of intangibles can weigh into it as well