Mitch Garver ready?

[Guest]

I believe he will be good enough for MLB. I don't believe he is today. I believe they risk his development by rushing him. If they believe he has a future as a starting catcher in the major leagues, they need to start playing him at catcher 4-5 times a week beginning right now and continuing into next year in AAA.

Apologies for picking on you, not my intent, but it seems we hear repeated complaints that the minors aren't doing a good job of preparing players, which is hard to square with the worry that development of a 25+ AA player who will not be a superstar would be harmed by bringing him to the majors. Seems like Garver is the closest to majors based on 2016 performance.

[stringer bell]

Centeno has done a decent job in limited reps. Seems to have cleaned up a weakness blocking pitches, isn't a sure out and seems to work well with the pitchers. I don't know about framing and throwing, but perhaps he might be a bit more than a stopgap.

[drivlikejehu]

Centeno is a really, really bad hitter - his performance at the plate this year has actually been incredibly good, by his standards. But there is no reason to think he can sustain it.

 

Garver is already a better hitter than Centeno, I have little doubt about that. So if his defense is acceptable, I don't see why he should be kept in the minors. It's not as if he's a 21-year old, high-upside prospect that you don't want to mess with.

 

If Suzuki is dealt, it could be Garver's best and even only opportunity, if the Twins gave it to him. I guarantee he would be thrilled.