BrenBlackwood

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ May 18, 2010 -> 02:38 PM) I think because I also live out in Cali. Not sure though. LOL! We Californians need to stick together!!!

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 18, 2010 -> 10:50 AM) I like the analysis, nicely done. Keep in mind that Chase played a bit below Dubler statistically, but Dubler has been a pretty big disappointment thus far. Also, Blackwood was moved up because he's a backup C - the organization will be less likely to promote guys like Gonzalez or even Dubler to a backup role, when they can get more game time at the level they want them to be at. And yes, defense and pitcher handling are very important for catchers, no doubt about it. Blackwood may some day get his shot, but right now, its a long shot. That's all I was saying. Hopefully they all do well. Everything has been a long shot for Blackwood up to this point, but he's hanging in there and the managers, coaches and other players love him. He is the preferred catcher as far as the pitchers are concerned. Like i said, Blackwood was signed as a free agent, but none of the guys he plays with ever believe him when he tells them that. Basically he slipped through the cracks during the draft and has to work harder because of it. Dubler had to move up to Kanny or be released, they have too much money invested in him to let him go so easily, so VIOLA ..he's in Kannapolis!!

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ May 18, 2010 -> 10:32 AM) I like the enthusiasm and appreciate the information girlslikebaseball. Welcome aboard!!! Thank you and you're very welcome.

QUOTE (JorgeFabregas @ May 18, 2010 -> 09:38 AM) Finally someone to stick up for Chris Blackwood. If anyone needs a champion, it's an NDFA who OPSed Is he a friend of yours? What's the scouting report on this guy--is he a defensive specialist? haha it's Chase Blackwood and yes i know him.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 18, 2010 -> 09:42 AM) He's organizational filler. The only way he gets a starting gig is if multiple front-line catchers in low or high A ball get injured (Phegley was one, but it would take a couple more). From what little I've read, defense is his gig. If you want to talk offensively look at the stats from the 2009 GF season. Blackwood had 35 less AB's than Dubler, 2 fewer doubles, 4 fewer RBI's, 3 homeruns compared to Dublers 0, Dubler had 1 triple where Blackwood had none ...granted, Blackwood only had 2 less strikeouts than Dubler, but overall he's not horrible in offense. "Defense is his gig" you say?! As a catcher, is that not what's most important? This is Blackwood's second season pro, first full season ..he's 22 and has already played in 2 AA games, which made him the youngest playing catcher in AA this year. He was signed as a free agent and has to work harder to get to where he wants to be, but obviously he's doing something the organization likes because they could have moved Dubler or Gonzalez up to W-S, but opted for Blackwood. Now i don't want anyone to feel like i'm trying to take anything from Dubler, Gonzalez or any other catcher in the organization, but i like to see credit given where credit is due. I saw Dubler, Gonzalez, Larson and Blackwood all play in spring training ..i also saw Blackwood throw to 1st and 2nd base from his knees and Gonzalez ask him how he learned how to do it!! Larson has since been released, Dubler and Gonzalez both to Kannapolis, and Blackwood ...well, he's been bouncing around from team to team!! I liked all the guys and was sad to see Larson go, but that's baseball. There's a plan for all these guys and i wish them ALL the best of luck! DUBLER: 2009 Season: Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS GRF PIO .223 42 121 19 27 7 1 0 11 36 18 35 4 1 .336 .298 .633 Minors .223 42 121 19 27 7 1 0 11 36 18 35 4 1 .336 .298 .633 BLACKWOOD: 2009 Season: Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS GRF PIO .198 24 86 13 17 5 0 3 7 31 2 33 4 1 .222 .360 .583 Minors .198 24 86 13 17 5 0 3 7 31 2 33 4 1 .222 .360 .583

I know Blackwood is an excellent catcher and i so badly want to see him in a game in Winston-Salem. He made it into two games in Birmingham, one of which he was the starting catcher. I don't think putting him in could harm the team in the least.

QUOTE (JPN366 @ May 17, 2010 -> 03:19 PM) I don't know why Blackwood hasn't played at all in W-S. He got into two games in B'ham. Luis Sierra may be better used at second base now with Drew Garcia out. Let Bour start and Blackwood play once or twice a week. I agree 100%. I listened to the B'ham game in which Blackwood started and i heard nothing but compliments about the way he catches. I won't be surprised if we see him in a game soon. ..will definitely be disappointed if we don't, but hey, what can ya do?!

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 17, 2010 -> 03:20 PM) Welcome to the board. I'm going to guess... Chase is a friend of yours? Thank You very much!! i know him, yes. I have been a fan of his for a very long time!!

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Apr 16, 2010 -> 03:53 PM) If Dubler or Gonzalez are promoted to W-S, all you need is a backup C at Kanny for a little while. Blackwood and Vaughn are just organizational filler, and I'm sure they'd be fine with filling in there for a while. I think Blackwood deserves more credit. He's the 2008 Collegiate Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipient for his position in his division. He may be considered "organizational filler" now, but he's a hard worker and people see that, he'll be more than filler soon!