Posada's The Most Worthless Catcher I've Ever Seen

[Guest]

Leiter fan, buddy, I'm a huge Met fan too, but come on - Piazza is a terrible defensive catcher no matter how you try to spin in.

[Leiter Fan]

When it comes to calling a game, blocking the plate from a runner headed for home, blocking wild pitches, and handling a pitching staff, Piazza is hugely better than I-Rod, Javy or Posada (or just about any other active player)!!!!

IMO Posado can call a game and handle pitchers better than any active player.

If you think that, you need to start watching some teams other than the Yankees.

He doesn't do a bad job. But its only recently that he hasn't been knocked for his POOR handling of a pitching staff.

Amongst active starting catchers, the ones I know of who are most well known for handling their pitching staffs well are Jason Veritek, Mike Piazza, Benito Santiago, Damien Miller and Mike Matheny (anyone else, feel free to add others I might have missed). Posada doesn't even break the top five.

[Leiter Fan]

Leiter fan, buddy, I'm a huge Met fan too, but come on - Piazza is a terrible defensive catcher no matter how you try to spin in.

Seriosuly, what can you point to BESIDES HIS POOR ABILITY AT THROWING OUT BASERUNNERS that makes him any less than an exceptional defensive catcher?

I concede that his throw out numbers are horrible, but saying that alone makes him a poor defensive catcher is like saying that Greg Maddux is a horrible pitcher because his pickoff move and ability to hold a runner on first are horrible (which, in fact, they are - but he is nevertheless a Hall of Fame pitcher!)

[Yankee715]

Even if Piazza calls a good game throwing runers out is a big part of catching.

[HOOTIE]

Leiter fan, buddy, I'm a huge Met fan too, but come on - Piazza is a terrible defensive catcher no matter how you try to spin in.

Leiter is correct. Piazzas arm is his only shortcoming as a catcher. He blocks the plate as well as anyone, calls a good game. As good as hitters as Piazza, Lopez, Posada, Pudge are, they could throw out 10%, and still be worth much more then a gun who cant hit. SB are overrated, and a catchers throwing % isnt a big a factor as some make it out to be. Giambi was out btw.

[Leiter Fan]

Even if Piazza calls a good game throwing runers out is a big part of catching.

Funny, I always thought CATCHING was the biggest part of being a catcher - and Piazza is one of the best at it.

Once they change the position's name to the "throw-to-second-baser", then I'll concede Piazza doesn't meet the criteria.

[Guest]

Even if Piazza calls a good game throwing runers out is a big part of catching.

Funny, I always thought CATCHING was the biggest part of being a catcher - and Piazza is one of the best at it.

Once they change the position's name to the "throw-to-second-baser", then I'll concede Piazza doesn't meet the criteria.

he didn't say it was the biggest part, just a big part. i agree with it being an important part, but obviously not important enough to move someone from the c position if they have offensive skills and can catch also.

[blankman]

he didn't say it was the biggest part, just a big part.

Jeez Leiter Fan, get a grip. Read more carefully before you make an *** of yourself again. This is at least the 2nd time in this topic that you've put words into people's mouth. Carry on with the ranting

[Guest]

Leiter Fan, before you belittle me or my TiVo, get your facts straight. They've been showing the replay on SportsCenter all morning, highlighting the tag when Giambi's foot was not even close to the base. He was out by a mile, geez.

Look on ESPN Insider if you don't believe me - it's free this weekend. Read "On Posada's defense, Meche's health, more" in MLB Insider, where they say Posada's the best defensive catcher in the AL.

[blankman]

Look on ESPN Insider if you don't believe me - it's free this weekend. Read "On Posada's defense, Meche's health, more" in MLB Insider, where they say Posada's the best defensive catcher in the AL.

I looked through the MLB Insider site, but I can't seem to find the article. I typed the name of it in the search and got nothing. Someone please explain to me where you found it.