My apologies for a short post today. I thought the letter C was a good time to talk about catchers, specifically, the Rays 2012 situation. Kelly Shoppach, John Jaso, Robinson Chirinos, and Jose Lobaton all figure to be in the mix, with Nevin Ashley on the 40-man roster as well. Who do you want to see in 2012?
There was a very comprehensive piece on this last week at DRaysBay.
A - Chris Archer
B - Blake Snell
C - Robinson Chirinos
Longer posts coming tomorrow (from me) and Monday (from BurGi).
Personally, I would bring back Kelly Shoppach and make sure he only faces LHP and let Lobaton and Chirinos battle for the vs. RHP job.
ReplyDeleteDepending on how much Shoppach costs to sign after paying the buyout I agree with you. My #1 offseason goal is of course the eradication of all things J.P. Howell.
ReplyDeleteA couple of 'hot' games from Shoppach in the playoffs don't come close to making up for the mostly 2 seasons of futility at the plate!! He needs to go away!!
ReplyDeleteI was just looking at the catcher situation. There are a couple of older defensive catchers available, probably wouldn''t be expensive. I don't see much out of Lobaton, Jaso, or Shoppach. Ashley deserves a shot, but he didn't impress much in AAA, however he has done very well at every other level. Chirinos still has potential. Also, they show Vogt as a 1B, did he catch in AAA? He is supposed to be the next in line.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see STEPHEN VOGT make the 40 man roster~ great bat...positions~ catcher, outfielder, 1st base...has proven his worth be being named 2011 TB Rays Player of the Year.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I think way too much is being made of Chirinos and Lobaton. Also like to see Nevin Ashley in the mix. Not sure about Jaso.
I am not sure any of the current cast of catching characters are going to make it. Real disappointed in Bailey and O`Conner at the low levels and no sure fire prospects anywhere in the system. Does Rice have a shot or is he going to get moved off catcher ? Vogt already has dual positions which is not a good sign for a catcher. Maybe something will click with Chirinos but I would hate to not have a plan B. Trade looks likely.
ReplyDeleteForgot about catcher Mark Thomas. Has a rocket of an arm. Also, Kyle Holloway and Mayo Acosta. Never could figure out why Luke Bailey skipped over Hudson Valley.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard any more about Chirinos' broken hand/wrist. Anybody?
ReplyDeleteAs much as I like Lobaton, a bad knee is bad news for a catcher.
I really like Vogt. But if I were a Rays fan I'd look to see if he could be groomed to be a future 1B, not catcher. Ashley? Maybe, but didn't show a lot in Durham.
Bring up Abernathy!!!
I think Jaso has to go. Shop is fine for me on the short end of a platoon if the price isn't too high. As for the LH, I say either Chirinos, Lobaton or a FA, whoever the FO feels is the best defender with an adequate bat. For me, I say Chirinos, but could definitely be persuaded to look elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteOk Anon 12:08am. This is in no way me being mean or hateful, but I don't know how you could consider Kyle Holloway as being the future of the rays. The guy is unfortunately never going to be any more than a bullpen catcher. He does have some power, but he only batted .187 in short season ball. He hit just 4 homeruns. The kid is a great kid, but unfortunately I think he may get cut after this past season :(
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