Article: Twins Organizational Depth Chart - Catchers

[Seth Stohs]

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php/2589-Twins-Organizational-Depth-Chart-Catchers

[Thrylos]

If Fryer makes the Twins over Pinto and Herrmann, I expect another long season. Already the Twins have no bats at CF and SS, and a questionable one at DH, and losing another at C will not take them anywhere.

 

If the Twins want another defensive-minded catcher, in addition to Suzuki, it should be Herrmann. He was ranked by BA's as the best defensive catcher in the Twins minors in 2013, for a good reason.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Good article Seth. I am more optimistic than you on Pinto. I feel he will hit enough to keep the number 1 spot with Suzuki catching 2-3 games a week. Mauer and Suzuki and Steinbech will work with him on developing his defense and catching game. Probably Hermann will be the 3rd catcher and backup OF.

[Seth Stohs]

I'm not down on Pinto at all, and I think he can be the long-term guy behind the plate. I just wonder if it'll be opening day, or a month in?

 

I'd say it'll either be: Pinto/Suzuki or Suzuki/Fryer.

[Tibs]

Thanks for doing this, Seth. I was looking for some kind of organizational depth chart and was having difficulty finding one.

[Oldgoat_MN]

Nice write up Seth. Thank you.

 

I agree with DAM. There are numerous mentors available to Pinto.

It will be fun to watch his development this year.

[Wanklenuts]

Are the Twins really going to carry a third catcher? It seems that Mauer could fill in for a part of a game with limited risk and then another could be called up. I was hoping with Mauer's move, there would be no more need to carry a third catcher. I guess if the third catcher is Hermann, it isn't a huge deal because of his versatility.

[ashbury]

You have to stay in shape, in a different way, to be ready to play the catcher position, and I don't know enough to guess how much of the wear and tear on a catcher comes from playing the games (with the recent emphasis on the risk of concussion) versus staying ready (boocoo crouching, etc), given that the aims of switching Mauer to first seem to be both to keep him in the lineup and potentially increase his already substantial effectiveness at the plate.

[Seth Stohs]

Are the Twins really going to carry a third catcher?--- I guess if the third catcher is Hermann, it isn't a huge deal because of his versatility.

 

I don't think they will... Herrmann would be an ideal 3rd catcher because of his versatility. But I don't think they'll have a 3rd catcher just because.

[cmathewson]

I must confess, I don't see why Pinto is as bad defensively as you say, Seth. He's not great at controlling the running game. But he's adequate. He has soft hands and presents a good low target. What exactly are his defensive deficiencies?

[jharaldson]

The 3rd catcher move has always been around the question of what if Mauer was DH and your backup that year was catching and the backup got injured. They couldn't move Mauer to catcher without losing the DH so Gardy always wanted a 3rd option. Given that Suzuki and probably Pinto will not be good enough to earn AB at DH I don't think the Twins will waste a roster spot on a 3rd catcher. One of them will always be on the bench if the other gets injured in a game.

[Tibs]

Are the Twins really going to carry a third catcher? It seems that Mauer could fill in for a part of a game with limited risk and then another could be called up. I was hoping with Mauer's move, there would be no more need to carry a third catcher. I guess if the third catcher is Hermann, it isn't a huge deal because of his versatility.

 

My opinion is since Mauer moved to first base, we should pretend he doesn't know how to be a catcher unless it is an extreme emergency situation. I don't see why the Twins would risk putting him back there. I might be overly cautious, but it just takes one bad foul tip to the head and his career could be over, or he could be nowhere near the player he was. It's not worth the risk to me.

[cmathewson]

The 3rd catcher move has always been around the question of what if Mauer was DH and your backup that year was catching and the backup got injured. They couldn't move Mauer to catcher without losing the DH so Gardy always wanted a 3rd option. Given that Suzuki and probably Pinto will not be good enough to earn AB at DH I don't think the Twins will waste a roster spot on a 3rd catcher. One of them will always be on the bench if the other gets injured in a game.

 

I'm with you. If Hermann was a better hitter than the fourth guy on the bench, I could see it. But there are several better hitters in camp this year. In particular, Parmelee from the left side and Ramirez from the right side.

[Guest wabene]

Im with Tibs if Mauer made the move that's it. Don't play around just play him everyday at 1st and ride that pony

[boomerb5]

About the only reason for a 3rd catcher is if your backup starts at DH. Then if the starting catcher gets hurt, you lose the DH when the backup takes the field. Most teams honestly wind up *needing* a third catcher, what...maybe 3-4 times a year? To that end, I see no problem with Mauer being the "emergency 3rd" catcher. He might log 20 innings behind the plate at most.

[ericchri]

Didn't we go into last season hearing that Eduardo Escobar could act as the "emergency catcher?" Hard to see him not being the Utility Infielder this year (well, I guess it could be Bartlett, though I have low expectations there) now that Jamey Carroll is out of the picture, so he should be good for that again this year, presumably.

[mnfireman]

Everybody always used to point out that Morneau used to catch and could have been the emergency catcher (before the concussions), well he never caught for the Twins. I feel Mauer should be used the same way....NEVER catch again. He is too valuable on the field and there are enough options. The biggest argument for Herrmann is that he is left-handed, but I agree that every spot on the bench should be earned, not gifted.

[clutterheart]

Where does Kyle Knudson fit?

He hit .295/.382 /.352 in 28 games at AA last year

 

He doesn't have much power but looks to be able to avoid the SO, take a walk now and then and get a single or two.

 

What's his D like?

[Kwak]

Mauer should be the emergency catcher. This player is required about once per year. Losing the DH?--for what one AB?--that's what PH are for.

[Seth Stohs]

Where does Kyle Knudson fit?

He hit .295/.382 /.352 in 28 games at AA last year

 

He doesn't have much power but looks to be able to avoid the SO, take a walk now and then and get a single or two.

 

What's his D like?

 

Considered very good. Works well with pitchers. frames well. Won't hit much, but tremendous reputation behind the plate.

[Seth Stohs]

I must confess, I don't see why Pinto is as bad defensively as you say, Seth. He's not great at controlling the running game. But he's adequate. He has soft hands and presents a good low target. What exactly are his defensive deficiencies?

 

In reality, I don't trust any defensive stats, especially not framing and that kind of stuff. For me, catching is about pitch-calling, working with pitchers, adjusting to pitchers/hitters, as well as the things you mentioned, like soft hands, low target. I appreciate athleticism, and although I don't necessary believe in the framing stat, but I definitely believe that pitch framing is a skill.

 

I think Pinto is fine, and I think he goes into spring training as the favorite to start, especially if he has a great camp. I just think that a lot will depend on reports they're getting on him from the veteran starters.

[Seth Stohs]

I must confess, I don't see why Pinto is as bad defensively as you say, Seth. He's not great at controlling the running game. But he's adequate. He has soft hands and presents a good low target. What exactly are his defensive deficiencies?

 

In reality, I don't trust any defensive stats, especially not framing and that kind of stuff. For me, catching is about pitch-calling, working with pitchers, adjusting to pitchers/hitters, as well as the things you mentioned, like soft hands, low target. I appreciate athleticism, and although I don't necessary believe in the framing stat, but I definitely believe that pitch framing is a skill.

 

I think Pinto is fine, and I think he goes into spring training as the favorite to start, especially if he has a great camp. I just think that a lot will depend on reports they're getting on him from the veteran starters.

[DocBauer]

Don't have personal experience watching him, but Matt Koch just really sticks out to me as a quality defensive and offensive backstop. Have a hunch he's going to round in to a really nice player.

[crapforks]

It seems lucky that the Twins signed two free-agent starters who have worked with several different catchers throughout their careers. Nolasco and Hughes will probably have a say in who is starting behind the plate for the Twins. At least initially.

[specialiststeve]

You could be right at your major league level but I do see it playing out a bit differently.

 

I see Suzuki clearly as a mentor for Pinto. With Hermann being "also" at the show as the 3rd catcher and extra outfielder. We may start out of the gate with an extra pitcher and Hermann at AAA but he will be up fairly soon.

 

Pinto 2 out of 3 days a week with Suzuki getting 2 starts a week.

 

Pinto has shown the ability to play at the big league level and now is the time to start the kids playing and it might as well be him.

[Oxtung]

A bit late on this but I've been away from the site for awhile (damn work...). I think it is interesting that you jumped Stuart Turner from the Appy league to the FSL. That seems very...unTwins like. I have certainly not been following the Twins minor league system as long or as closely as you. Is there a historical precedent for this? Did you jump him because he is so advanced defensively or because there just happened to be an opening at A+? A bit of both? Are you reading the tea leaves based on the minor league FA signings made thus far? I find it an interesting move so any incite you can offer is appreciated.

[Oxtung]

I am a bit late but have been away from the site for awhile and am trying to catch up (damn work...). I find it very interesting and, given the meme "the Twins move prospects too slowly", very unTwins like that the Twins might jump Stuart Turner from the Appy league to the FSL. Is it because Turner is so advanced defensively? Because there was an opening in the organizational depth chart? Are you reading the tea leaves of minor league FA signings so far? Is there a historical precedence? You have been following the Twins minor leagues much more closely and longer than myself so any insight you could provide would be appreciated.