604 replies to this topic

[BSLMikeLowe]

I would guess that at youth levels C is no longer (if it ever was) a position where you just stuck the kids who have less athleticism and/or don't hit as well.

[BobPhelan]

Don't think there is any valid criticism (or praise) for how they go about spending the money. Don't think even prospect junkies like Bob have enough insight and data to back up fan level theories about what the most efficient targets are internationally. Don't think there is any resources available to help conclude that top guys are usually worth the money or not or that middle tier is the sweet spot or whatever. You do have an allocation of money, so you gotta spend that or you're by definition not doing your best. Beyond that we can't really judge until 3-4 years down the line and see what level prospects they are developing.

Correct, I have no clue haha. I think just spend your allotted money and hope you can develop whoever comes through the building. Frederick Bencosme was signed for like $15,000 or something incredibly low and is in AA, Maikel Hernandez for $1.3 million, has shown nothing and is likely in his final year with the organization unless he breaks out in a big way.

[JeremyStrain]

Mackus I agree with what you wrote.

 

But I believe that drafting 5 catchers compared to 8 pitchers is just whacked.

Most 16-18 year old catchers don't stick at C. Just when they are younger your most athletic kids play up the middle (C, SS, CF), but many of them end up getting shifted as they get older and start playing with other more talented kids who can play positions better. Nothing to worry about.

[Mike B]

Mackus I agree with what you wrote.

 

But I believe that drafting 5 catchers compared to 8 pitchers is just whacked.

iI do think there is a flaw in the Orioles overall plan regarding pitching.  They rarely pick a pitcher before the 4th or 5th round the draft and don't spend a lot in the International crop but signing 5 catchers IMO is smart.  These are 16 and 17 year old kids and some will transition to another position,but some are signed to staff the minor league teams as well as hoping some make it all the way to the majors.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

How many C transition to something other than 1B/DH. I am sure it happens but I think its pretty unusual.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Biggio comes to mind. More recently Varsho. I think I can name more if I pondered it for a bit

[TwentyThirtyFive]

How many C transition to something other than 1B/DH. I am sure it happens but I think its pretty unusual.

Dont think of a typical C you see now in MLB. Remember these are 16/17 yr old kids. I wish when drafting or signing this young they wouldnt assign a position.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

C probably has the highest number of transitions to P as well. Raw arm strength is necessary for both.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Biggio comes to mind. More recently Varsho. I think I can name more if I pondered it for a bit

And Varsho is now a gold glove OF. CF at that. There are probably more than we even realize because they move off of C so early in their minor league career

[BaltBird 24]

How many HS kids are drafted and move from the position they were drafted at? Mountcastle was drafted as a SS, for example. Would we feel the same way if we looked at these signings as HS juniors/seniors rather than pro signees?

[Mackus]

How many C transition to something other than 1B/DH. I am sure it happens but I think its pretty unusual.

Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Santana, BJ Surhoff, Kenley Jansen. List is gonna get quite long if I Google a bit rather than just guys I recall, and that's just guys who ended up being great players at other positions.

Not remotely unusual.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Santana, BJ Surhoff, Kenley Jansen. List is gonna get quite long if I Google a bit rather than just guys I recall, and that's just guys who ended up being great players at other positions.

Not remotely unusual.

[Mackus]

From Google...

Eddie Murray (!!), Jimmie Foxx, Paul Konerko, Dave Parker, Dale Murphy, Justin Morneau, Joey Votto, Josh Donaldson, Raul Ibanez

[Pedro Cerrano]

Known catcher Josh Donaldson

[mdrunning]

Gil Hodges. Or, if you want to go way back, Fred Snodgrass of the old John McGraw New York Giants.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

All Star Robert Fick

[JeremyStrain]

C probably has the highest number of transitions to P as well. Raw arm strength is necessary for both.

And they understand pitch calling and pitching vs throwing. VERY important as a pitcher or catcher.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

To be fair to Steve he did say transition to positions other than 1b. Numerous guys listed above did become primary1b.  That said, when talking about 16 or 17 yr olds most of them dont really have a position yet. They are raw athletes 

[Mackus]

Jorge Posada switched from 2B to Catcher in the minors. He's the only example I found of that type of switch (not suggesting he's the only one, just that it's very rare).

[Mike B]

How many C transition to something other than 1B/DH. I am sure it happens but I think its pretty unusual.

I think many.  Locally, BJ Surhoff