Not a bad investment because A) he's a fan favorite, and B) He's a LOT better than any catcher we have!

 

Agree to disagree

Agree to disagree

I hope you're right. All I see from Flowers is a pretty good defensive catcher who strikes out a TON.

I hope you're right. All I see from Flowers is a pretty good defensive catcher who strikes out a TON.

With major power, as well

I bet Flowers also draws more walks in the first half than Pierzynski has ever drawn in a single season

I bet Flowers also draws more walks in the first half than Pierzynski has ever drawn in a single season

 

He might also strike out 4 times more. But if he hits twice as many home runs and draws twice as many walks, I can care less.

I bet Flowers also draws more walks in the first half than Pierzynski has ever drawn in a single season

 

Tyler had 12 BB in 153 PAs. AJ had 28 in 520.

Tyler had 12 BB in 153 PAs. AJ had 28 in 520.

 

And that 28 was a career high

Tyler had 12 BB in 153 PAs. AJ had 28 in 520.

That'd be 41 for Tyler in as many PA's, and Flowers had extremely choppy playing time...not totally out of the question, as last year was the most AJ had ever walked.

B) He's a LOT better than any catcher we have!

 

Can Flowers get the typical AJ OPS of say .750, when facing both righties and lefties for a year? Probably not, but also probably wont be astronomically lower than that. He also costs way, way less.

 

Then factor in defense. Then factor in that Flowers is cheap labor and a not-developing asset.

 

The choice is clear. AJ out, and you spend that money elsewhere.

Edited December 19, 201213 yr by Jose Paniagua

Can Flowers get the typical AJ OPS of say .750, when facing both righties and lefties for a year? Probably not, but also probably wont be astronomically lower than that. He also costs way, way less.

 

Then factor in defense. Then factor in that Flowers is cheap labor and a not-developing asset.

 

The choice is clear. AJ out, and you spend that money elsewhere.

 

I honestly don't see why he couldn't.

 

This kinda reminds me of when the Sox thought Karkovice was ready to replace Fisk.

This kinda reminds me of when the Sox thought Karkovice was ready to replace Fisk.

Well, AJ's no hall of famer, and you can't just sit on Flowers forever. Gotta find out at some point, and that point is when AJ reaches FA.

This kinda reminds me of when the Sox thought Karkovice was ready to replace Fisk.

 

And you just compared AJ Pierzynski to Carlton Fisk

And you just compared AJ Pierzynski to Carlton Fisk

Oops! And Flowers to Karkovice! I'm fairly certain Flowers is better than Karko ever was.

 

My bad.

This kinda reminds me of when the Sox thought Karkovice was ready to replace Fisk.

Plus, Kark's first two full seasons he put up offensive numbers almost identical to Fisk's last full season.

Oops! And Flowers to Karkovice! I'm fairly certain Flowers is better than Karko ever was.

 

My bad.

 

I have no problem with the Flowers and Karkovice comparison. Flowers has a better track record but they have similar games.

 

Pierzynski to Fisk is a little outlandish though. You are talking about a good, durable starting catcher to one of the greatest catchers of all time.

You don't have to REPLACE a.j. with flowers completely.

 

You have to replace enough of him to warrant saving a ton of money at the position.

You don't have to REPLACE a.j. with flowers completely.

 

You have to replace enough of him to warrant saving a ton of money at the position.

 

That's true too.

I know someone mentioned this earlier, but I'd feel so much more comfortable having Flowers take over for AJ if the Sox were able to get a lefty back-up catcher that could get a good amount of ABs against tough righties. Having Flowers and Viciedo at the bottom of the order against the likes of Verlander, Scherzer, etc. is not the best of plans.

You don't have to REPLACE a.j. with flowers completely.

 

You have to replace enough of him to warrant saving a ton of money at the position.

 

And use the extra millions to improve something else.

One of the biggest factors in Bourn's large WAR last year was his fielding which, while I don't doubt was incredible, is also less predictable from year to year and loses a bit of its advantage in a smaller park like USCF.

 

He's a great player, he's just not worth it for the Sox.

 

He's only had an OPS+ of above 100 once. None of his offensive numbers, save stolen bases, are impressive. You put a ton of stock in advanced defensive metrics and his base stealing ability to find any value in him. He can shove that $15M up his ass.

That's true too.

But then the money you save has to be reinvested into perceived areas of weakness! We're not seeing that (yet!).

He's only had an OPS+ of above 100 once. None of his offensive numbers, save stolen bases, are impressive. You put a ton of stock in advanced defensive metrics and his base stealing ability to find any value in him. He can shove that $15M up his ass.

Great post...agree 100%.

AJ/Fisk is an apt comparison. Both were anchors for the team a long time, and management has sought to replace/supplement both over that tenure.

Oops! And Flowers to Karkovice! I'm fairly certain Flowers is better than Karko ever was.

 

My bad.

 

Kark couldn't hit, but wasn't he an elite defender? Cannon for an arm. I'd take Kark over this version of Flowers in an instant.