Article: Ron Gardenhire discusses Joe Mauer's decision

[Parker Hageman]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=2470-Ron-Gardenhire-discusses-Joe-Mauer-s-decision

[JB_Iowa]

They also have enough payroll flexibility that they can sign a stopgap and work on a long-term solution.

 

The best thing about all of this is that Mauer made the decision NOW rather than two months from now, or worse yet, in spring training or during the season.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

One of the best ever.. tip o' the cap and many more good years to come.

 

 

 

http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2009/05/new_york_yankees_brett_gardner.html

[Pjmcnally]

I really hope Doumit does spend much (or any) time behind the plate. I hope they go get a older catcher to help Pinto and catch some days.

[Thrylos]

I really hope Doumit does spend much (or any) time behind the plate. I hope they go get a older catcher to help Pinto and catch some days.

 

They also have enough payroll flexibility that they can sign a stopgap and work on a long-term solution..

 

The market is getting really crazy out there. Allegedly Ruiz turned down a 2 year / $20 million offer. If this is the case the only "veteran" catcher to protect Pinto would be Doumit or Fryer (I know.) At least Butera was traded.

[clutterheart]

I wonder why Herrmann isn't getting steam as an option at catcher. He caught 80 games in 2012 and 67 total between the MLB and AAA last year.

[Shane Wahl]

I wonder why Herrmann isn't getting steam as an option at catcher. He caught 80 games in 2012 and 67 total between the MLB and AAA last year.

 

People are basically writing him off even though he is still getting used to the league. I think he can be a high-600s OPS guy, which for a backup catcher/fifth outfielder is not bad when coupled with average defense.

[Shane Wahl]

Pinto's total year last year was ridiculously good offensively and he is just a bit below and average defensive catcher. Herrmann is a slightly above average defensive catcher now and will become an average offensive backup catcher. Why spend money on this instead of starting pitching . . . blows my mind.

[DaveW]

Pinto's total year last year was ridiculously good offensively and he is just a bit below and average defensive catcher.

 

 

Short. Sample. Size. And you are mistaken, in that short sample size he was actually very bad defensively according to the stats.

 

I will say it again, there is a reason why the Twins:

1. Had Pinto DH half of his games at AA.

2. Are actively looking for a C on the Free Agent Market.

 

They realize that Pinto frankly isn't good enough defensively to be the every day C, again, he does have the potential to be a "better" Doumit as a guy who can catch when needed and DH when needed, but I think people need to start to realize that it's highly unlikely that Pinto becomes the every day catcher.

[twinsfan34]

And by "every day catcher" you mean...plays 120 games at the position...

[twinsfan34]

The defensive (MLB) stats...are a small. sample. size. as well if you're considering the range factor, rtot, rdrs, etc.

 

He had only 1/8th of a season defensively. Can be trends with that as far as the putouts, assists, etc.

 

Salty only threw out 21% of baserunners, allowed a MLB high, 89 SB, yet he's the 'every day catcher' (121 games caught) for the World Champions.