What's best for J.R. ?

[AtascAstro]

As Towles continues to struggle at the plate the chorus of "Send him to AAA"  is growing (this is the "Replace Bourn" crowd that has been forced elsewhere due to his improved performance).  I'm not questioning whether Towles should be sent down because he is "hurting the team" (if the Astros felt they had a better option at catcher, that catcher would be on the team).  Clearly J.R. is a young player who flew through the system, perhaps a bit too fast to complete his development.  My question is, where is the better place for him to continue that development....

In the majors - as a catcher, what he has in Brad Ausmus cannot be found in the minors.  This is a one-time deal, a chance to be tutored by a great catcher.  The hitting can come later as long as he doesn't lose his confidence as a player.

In the minors - he is lacking fundamentals at the plate that cannot be addressed while facing major league pitching.  Continued failure in the majors may be detrimental to his development as a hitter. 

Good catchers are hard to find and it provides a lot of stability to a club to have that position locked down by a long-term player.  J.R. is pretty much all the Astros have right now, so if we are isolating the "best" place for his development, where is that?

Personally, I'm inclined to trade the confidence at the plate (minors) for the competence behind it (majors).

[Gizzmonic]

I disagree that Towles cannot improve as a hitter while facing major league pitching.

I also disagree that he's the best option at catcher right now, I think Quintero is better behind the plate and better with the stick at this point.

Plus, I believe that Towles is competent enough behind the plate and the Astros are hitting well enough that there's no need to force the issue.  I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke-", especially when it comes to catcher.  Moving your starting catcher affects the entire pitching staff.

As Towles continues to struggle at the plate the chorus of "Send him to AAA"  is growing (this is the "Replace Bourn" crowd that has been forced elsewhere due to his improved performance).  I'm not questioning whether Towles should be sent down because he is "hurting the team" (if the Astros felt they had a better option at catcher, that catcher would be on the team).  Clearly J.R. is a young player who flew through the system, perhaps a bit too fast to complete his development.  My question is, where is the better place for him to continue that development....

In the majors - as a catcher, what he has in Brad Ausmus cannot be found in the minors.  This is a one-time deal, a chance to be tutored by a great catcher.  The hitting can come later as long as he doesn't lose his confidence as a player.

In the minors - he is lacking fundamentals at the plate that cannot be addressed while facing major league pitching.  Continued failure in the majors may be detrimental to his development as a hitter. 

Good catchers are hard to find and it provides a lot of stability to a club to have that position locked down by a long-term player.  J.R. is pretty much all the Astros have right now, so if we are isolating the "best" place for his development, where is that?

Personally, I'm inclined to trade the confidence at the plate (minors) for the competence behind it (majors).

[AtascAstro]

I disagree that Towles cannot improve as a hitter while facing major league pitching.

No arguement here (See Pence, Hunter & Bourn, Micheal).  My question was more about where is "best", perhaps presumptive to say that is in the minors but that is usually what GMs say when they send a young player down.

I also disagree that he's the best option at catcher right now, I think Quintero is better behind the plate and better with the stick at this point.

So is it just Humberto's hissy fit this spring that is holding him back?

Plus, I believe that Towles is competent enough behind the plate and the Astros are hitting well enough that there's no need to force the issue.  I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke-", especially when it comes to catcher.  Moving your starting catcher affects the entire pitching staff.

The beauty of a strong lineup allows you some room to be patient with young players, sometime reaping great rewards (See Pence, Hunter & Bourn, Micheal). 

[pravata]

So is it just Humberto's hissy fit this spring that is holding him back?

He's hitting .208 in Round Rock.  He's also made 6 errors.

[headhunter]

As Towles continues to struggle at the plate the chorus of "Send him to AAA"  is growing (this is the "Replace Bourn" crowd that has been forced elsewhere due to his improved performance).  I'm not questioning whether Towles should be sent down because he is "hurting the team" (if the Astros felt they had a better option at catcher, that catcher would be on the team).  Clearly J.R. is a young player who flew through the system, perhaps a bit too fast to complete his development.  My question is, where is the better place for him to continue that development....

In the majors - as a catcher, what he has in Brad Ausmus cannot be found in the minors.  This is a one-time deal, a chance to be tutored by a great catcher.  The hitting can come later as long as he doesn't lose his confidence as a player.

In the minors - he is lacking fundamentals at the plate that cannot be addressed while facing major league pitching.  Continued failure in the majors may be detrimental to his development as a hitter. 

Good catchers are hard to find and it provides a lot of stability to a club to have that position locked down by a long-term player.  J.R. is pretty much all the Astros have right now, so if we are isolating the "best" place for his development, where is that?

Personally, I'm inclined to trade the confidence at the plate (minors) for the competence behind it (majors).

Why is Q not an option right now? I know that his offensive numbers aren't generally good, but they're competent compared with what JR has been doing. Of course I hope that JR is able to turn it around, but he was promoted very fast and it wouldn't be the end of the world if he got to work on his game in Roundrock.

Also, is there another player in the minor system who could make the team as catcher next year--or is the plan right now JR and Q? Since the Astros seemed willing to risk loosing Q after spring training I wondered what plan C is if JR or Q need to be replaced.

[Taras Bulba]

Chacon mentioned in the post game last night that Towles "called a good game."  That's an amazing feat considering he had to pry his head out of his ass in the first inning.

[MusicMan]

So is it just Humberto's hissy fit this spring that is holding him back?

Further to pravata's point... check the Bus Ride forums.  I believe there have been eyewitness accounts of Q's attitude clearly carrying over to the field.

[JimR]

Why is Q not an option right now? I know that his offensive numbers aren't generally good, but they're competent compared with what JR has been doing. Of course I hope that JR is able to turn it around but he was promoted very fast and it wouldn't be the end of the world if he got to work on his game in Roundrock.

Also, is there another player in the minor system who could make the team as catcher next year--or is the plan right now JR and Q. Since the Astros seemed willing to risk loosing Q after spring training I wondered what plan C is if JR or Q need to be replaced.

Q has been lousy in RR and is not good in any clubhouse. he has screwed himself.

[Jacksonian]

Also, is there another player in the minor system who could make the team as catcher next year

With 100% certainty, NO.

[Emo Oranges]

For me, it is much easier to be patient with Towles when everything else around him is clicking as it is.  I thought about this last night, while it would be great to have someone who is tearing it up offensively is that something that will make or break the team right now?  

I think the team has determined that he's the one with the best shot at being here for the long haul.  Therefore, they've decided to stick it out with him and let him learn to be the best defensive catcher he can from Ausmus.  Hopefully, eventually, the offense will come around.

[MusicMan]

With 100% certainty, NO.

According to mlbtraderumors.com - FA catchers this offseason:

Rod Barajas (33)
Michael Barrett (32)
Johnny Estrada (33)
Jason Kendall (35) - club option for '09; vests with 110 games played in '08
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM club option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

That, folks, is not a good list.

[kevwun]

Michael Barrett would be a good addition.  Instead of pitchers attacking water coolers in fits of rage, they could punch Barrett in the face instead.

[Noe]

Chacon mentioned in the post game last night that Towles "called a good game."  That's an amazing feat considering he had to pry his head out of his ass in the first inning.

Towles does call a good game and pitchers generally like to throw to him because they're not dealing with a guy with an attitude and flat out stubborness.  Also JR does know how to setup a hitter quite well.  The parts of his defensive game that needs to improve is:

• Receiving a pitch.  He has been too jerky at times.  What I've noticed is that he's stop trying to pull the ball back towards him now and will just let the ball sit where it lands on his glove and just position himself closer to the plate corners.  Ausmus will go way outside and frame a pitch beautifully, but JR will sit on the corner and try not to move his glove too much.  Different but both effective ways to catch a pitcher.  I wouldn't doubt a pitcher or two told him to stop trying to do what Ausmus does when he frames, just give a good target and let them hit it.  JR has a little ways to go before he starts to steal strikes for his pitcher like Ausmus does.
• Proper position on defense: JR has a bit of trouble coming out of his squat and effectively positioning himself to receive throws and also make catches on pop-ups.  However, he's been doing much better lately and is growing in that area.

Those are things he could work on freely in AAA, but he doesn't have that luxury.  He's the only option to catch in the majors for the Astros right now other than Ausmus and Brad is no longer a full time catcher (even he will admit that).  It's Towles or trade for a catcher (starting catcher) at the deadline.  I don't see them doing that.

[Jacksonian]

As Towles continues to struggle at the plate the chorus of "Send him to AAA"  is growing (this is the "Replace Bourn" crowd that has been forced elsewhere due to his improved performance).  I'm not questioning whether Towles should be sent down because he is "hurting the team" (if the Astros felt they had a better option at catcher, that catcher would be on the team).  Clearly J.R. is a young player who flew through the system, perhaps a bit too fast to complete his development.  My question is, where is the better place for him to continue that development....

In the majors - as a catcher, what he has in Brad Ausmus cannot be found in the minors.  This is a one-time deal, a chance to be tutored by a great catcher.  The hitting can come later as long as he doesn't lose his confidence as a player.

In the minors - he is lacking fundamentals at the plate that cannot be addressed while facing major league pitching.  Continued failure in the majors may be detrimental to his development as a hitter. 

Good catchers are hard to find and it provides a lot of stability to a club to have that position locked down by a long-term player.  J.R. is pretty much all the Astros have right now, so if we are isolating the "best" place for his development, where is that?

Personally, I'm inclined to trade the confidence at the plate (minors) for the competence behind it (majors).

The primary issue to me is Ausmus signing.  If the Astros were willing to send down Towles for a first 1/2 or even 1/3 of a season struggling at the plate why sign Ausmus and announce him Towles' mentor.  You couldn't just send him down for a day or week.  If you send him down to find his stroke it's likely to take a while if not the entire year.  That would mean they signed Ausmus for reasons other than what was stated.  I find it very hard to believe Wade didn't think it likely Towles would struggle offensively this year.  I truly believe Wade when he indicates as long as Towles' offensive problems don't hinder his defensive work he's on the club to stay.

[Bench]

 I thought about this last night, while it would be great to have someone who is tearing it up offensively is that something that will make or break the team right now?  

Obviously you have not been watching the Astros. Automatic outs in the 8th spot in the order have been holding this team back for years. This is just more of the same. The Astros will never succeeed with that kind of OPS hitting before the pitcher.

[MusicMan]

I truly believe Wade when he indicates as long as Towles' offensive problems don't hinder his defensive work he's on the club to stay.

The problem is - when I see the herky-jerky behind the plate, or the craniorectal inversion on the bases, it's hard not to believe those offensive problems aren't bleeding over.  However, they lack alternatives.

[Emo Oranges]

Obviously you have not been watching the Astros. Automatic outs in the 8th spot in the order have been holding this team back for years. This is just more of the same. The Astros will never succeeed with that kind of OPS hitting before the pitcher.

Certainly better than the 7-8-9 black hole that we had last year.  The Astros have never gotten great production out of the 8 spot whether it was Everett or Ausmus there.  It was a black hole in the World Series year too.  So, for you to say that the Astros can't succeed with Towles in the 8 hole isn't very accurate.

[Noe]

Certainly better than the 7-8-9 black hole that we had last year.  The Astros have never gotten great production out of the 8 spot whether it was Everett or Ausmus there.  It was a black hole in the World Series year too.  So, for you to say that the Astros can't succeed with Towles in the 8 hole isn't very accurate.

Do you have a sarcasm meter?  If not, I think pravata sells some refurbished ones at the SnS consignment store.

[Andyzipp]

What's best for Towles is kind of immaterial.  What's best for the Astros is what matters.  It so happens that what is best for the Astros right now is for Towles to be gaining valuable OTJ training.

He is their "best" option at the major league level...for now.

[AtascAstro]

So, for you to say that the Astros can't succeed with Towles in the 8 hole isn't very accurate.

Not only that, its downright sarcastic!

[Noe]

Not only that, its downright sarcastic!

Ironically so... or is that a simile? Metaphorically speaking of course.

[Andyzipp]

Not only that, its downright sarcastic!

Oh the Hugh Manatee.

[Ty in Tampa]

Certainly better than the 7-8-9 black hole that we had last year.  The Astros have never gotten great production out of the 8 spot whether it was Everett or Ausmus there.  It was a black hole in the World Series year too.  So, for you to say that the Astros can't succeed with Towles in the 8 hole isn't very accurate.

Kick the meter there, Emo.

[otterjb]

Oh the Hugh Manatee.

http://drpeterjones.com/images/hugh_manatee.jpg

[Emo Oranges]

Ironically so... or is that a simile? Metaphorically speaking of course.

Simile, metaphor, analogy...they're all the same.

[Jacksonian]

According to mlbtraderumors.com - FA catchers this offseason:

Rod Barajas (33)
Michael Barrett (32)
Johnny Estrada (33)
Jason Kendall (35) - club option for '09; vests with 110 games played in '08
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM club option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

That, folks, is not a good list.

This will probably come up in the draft thread in the Bus Ride but don't be surprised if the Astros take a catcher in the first 2 or 3 rounds.

[AtascAstro]

What's best for Towles is kind of immaterial.  What's best for the Astros is what matters.  It so happens that what is best for the Astros right now is for Towles to be gaining valuable OTJ training.

He is their "best" option at the major league level...for now.

Agreed, which is why I tried to frame it in the context of "best" for JR only.  I was fishing for player development discussion from those who understand the game and fundamentals far better than I.  Exactly what makes the TZ great!

[pravata]

Why is Q not an option right now? I know that his offensive numbers aren't generally good, but they're competent compared with what JR has been doing. Of course I hope that JR is able to turn it around, but he was promoted very fast and it wouldn't be the end of the world if he got to work on his game in Roundrock.

Also, is there another player in the minor system who could make the team as catcher next year--or is the plan right now JR and Q? Since the Astros seemed willing to risk loosing Q after spring training I wondered what plan C is if JR or Q need to be replaced.

.208 in AAA is competent?  The Astros plan is for Ausmus to teach Towles to catch.  Not hit, catch.  The Astros, represented by Berkman and Cooper are completely and publicly behind Towles.  The same can not be said for Quintero. 

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080521&content_id=2742404&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080522&content_id=2749974&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[MusicMan]

This will probably come up in the draft thread in the Bus Ride but don't be surprised if the Astros take a catcher in the first 2 or 3 rounds.

What, not drinking the Koby Kool-Aid?

[Andyzipp]

What, not drinking the Koby Kool-Aid?

I swear I read 6-8 passed balls...per game.

[Jacksonian]

I swear I read 6-8 passed balls...per game.

Pick up the phone.  Roger's attorneys want to sue talk to you.

[MusicMan]

I swear I read 6-8 passed balls...per game.

Charlie Palilo doesn't understand how this is relevant.

[Jacksonian]

What, not drinking the Koby Kool-Aid?

Um, no.

It's funny though, the first two catchers that came to mind when the question was asked were Santangelo in Corpus and Fixler in Lexington rather than Koby and/or Sapp.  That should pretty much tell you what you need to know about the state of catching in the org.

[MusicMan]

Sapp was a huge bust.  In every sense.

[Jacksonian]

Sapp was a huge bust.  In every sense.

He's lost quite a bit of weight.  But, yeah, so far, not good.

Purpura fell in love with one tool, lefty power, at, apparently, the expense of all others.

[Duman]

This will probably come up in the draft thread in the Bus Ride but don't be surprised if the Astros take a catcher in the first 2 or 3 rounds.

Let's review how the last few drafts have worked out for catchers:

2004 - Lou Santangelo - Currently in CC. Hitting .236  and committed 4 errors.  Had 50 game suspension last year.
2004 - Eric Cavers - 10th round out of Franklin Pierce College - released during 2006 season.
2005 - Ralph Henriquez - 2nd round out of HS - traded to Mets during off season for a roster filler relief pitcher
2006 - Max Sapp - 1st Round out of HS - In second season with Lexington.  Missed significant time with injuries and was out of shape last year.
2007 - Jonathon Fixler - 1st Astro catcher drafted in 2007, 19th round out of Indiana.  In Lex backing up Sapp

We do have a few Latin guys in the lower system who may work out.  I was expecting Ronald Pestana to be in Lex this year but is still in EST as far as I know.  I expect a new latin kid in G'ville this year.  Frederico Hernadez (2/8/88) R/R hit .299 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and a HR while striking out 20 out of 167 AB.

I think Koby has a better shot than all of the recent draft picks of being a MLB catcher.

[MusicMan]

He's lost quite a bit of weight.  But, yeah, so far, not good.

Call me a "first impressions" guy, but I have no use for a professional athlete who shows up for their first day on the job so obviously out of shape.

[Duman]

Um, no.

It's funny though, the first two catchers that came to mind when the question was asked were Santangelo in Corpus and Fixler in Lexington rather than Koby and/or Sapp.  That should pretty much tell you what you need to know about the state of catching in the org.

I still don't think of Koby as a catcher first.  I haven't made the transition yet, but I think his bat is more projectable and every thing I have seen (mostly when he was in G-ville) is that he is coachable and has a good work ethic.  So I guess I am sipping the Koby Kool aid alittle.  Not drunk with it yet.

[Lurch]

Call me a "first impressions" guy, but I have no use for a professional athlete who shows up for their first day on the job so obviously out of shape.

Pear is a shape

[Kent's Moustache]

According to mlbtraderumors.com - FA catchers this offseason:

Rod Barajas (33)
Michael Barrett (32)
Johnny Estrada (33)
Jason Kendall (35) - club option for '09; vests with 110 games played in '08
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM club option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

That, folks, is not a good list.

Olivo is quietly having a strong offensive season.  I can't comment knowledgeably on his defensive skills.

[Noe]

Pear is a shape

You should've seen the picture of Sapp while at Lexington (I believe) last year.  He was very round and he could've given the Pillsbury Doughboy a run for his money.  I take it back, the P-Doughboy was ripped compared to Sapp.

[MusicMan]

The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man was Sapp's top comparable in PECOTA.

[Jacksonian]

Let's review how the last few drafts have worked out for catchers:

2004 - Lou Santangelo - Currently in CC. Hitting .236  and committed 4 errors.  Had 50 game suspension last year.
2004 - Eric Cavers - 10th round out of Franklin Pierce College - released during 2006 season.
2005 - Ralph Henriquez - 2nd round out of HS - traded to Mets during off season for a roster filler relief pitcher
2006 - Max Sapp - 1st Round out of HS - In second season with Lexington.  Missed significant time with injuries and was out of shape last year.
2007 - Jonathon Fixler - 1st Astro catcher drafted in 2007, 19th round out of Indiana.  In Lex backing up Sapp

We do have a few Latin guys in the lower system who may work out.  I was expecting Ronald Pestana to be in Lex this year but is still in EST as far as I know.  I expect a new latin kid in G'ville this year.  Frederico Hernadez (2/8/88) R/R hit .299 with 10 doubles, 2 triples and a HR while striking out 20 out of 167 AB.

I think Koby has a better shot than all of the recent draft picks of being a MLB catcher.

What a crapshoot.

The other college catchers drafted around Santangelo have done no better.  HS catcher Salome drafted early in round 5 is tearing up AA for the Brewers.  
None of the catchers drafted around Henriquez have done much either.  
Hank Conger went 2 picks after Sapp though injured now has been much better overall than Sapp.

[headhunter]

.208 in AAA is competent?  The Astros plan is for Ausmus to teach Towles to catch.  Not hit, catch.  The Astros, represented by Berkman and Cooper are completely and publicly behind Towles.  The same can not be said for Quintero. 
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080521&content_id=2742404&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080522&content_id=2749974&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

No, I wouldn't call .208 in AAA competent, no more than I call .147 in the Majors competent. Maybe I'm wrong, but I remember Q has hit better in the Majors than J.R. is hitting now. But I think that Q's bad attitude mentioned by JimR and others explains why Q isn't going be in Houston again, barring an injury--which seems to be the reason he's in the organization at all.

[ValpoCory]

Olivo is quietly having a strong offensive season.  I can't comment knowledgeably on his defensive skills.

Agreed.  Which is why I expect his option to be picked up.

[Duman]

Olivo is quietly having a strong offensive season.  I can't comment knowledgeably on his defensive skills.

I loved watching him in Birmingham several years ago.  If I recall he lead the southern league in triples one year (went back and checked he had 10 in 2002).  Quite impressive for a catcher.  Always expected him to do better than he has done.  Usually has one good month out of the season.

[Duman]

The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man was Sapp's top comparable in PECOTA.

I heard he was offended when people started confusing him with Warren Sapp last year and that lead to the weight loss.

[MusicMan]

Michael Barrett would be a good addition. 

Sorry I forgot to bring this up... but do not ever, and I mean EVER!, say this again, no matter how tongue-in-cheek.

[pravata]

No, I wouldn't call .208 in AAA competent, ...

Well you did, "...but they're competent compared with what JR has been doing."  By no standard is .208 in AAA competent. 

[MusicMan]

Well you did, "...but they're competent compared with what JR has been doing."  By no standard is .208 in AAA competent. 

Also, with all of his struggles, Towles still has a higher career OBP and SLG than Q.  Just sayin'.

[Noe]

Also, with all of his struggles, Towles still has a higher career OBP and SLG than Q.  Just sayin'.

Given time (which is what the Astros actually can afford right now), Towles will be the better of the two in all offensive categories.  However, the defense is the question mark and that has been hit and miss this year.  Q is a much better defender with a plus arm.  But he's not going to get a callup to replace Towles *for offense* sake.  If people want a better hitting #8 hitter, then they need to watch AL baseball and quit bothering with all this NL/defense/Pitching stuff that gets in the way of *real* baseball.

[Duman]

You should've seen the picture of Sapp while at Lexington (I believe) last year.  He was very round and he could've given the Pillsbury Doughboy a run for his money.  I take it back, the P-Doughboy was ripped compared to Sapp.

Here is Sapp in motion last year.

[Noe]

Here is Sapp in motion last year.

I think you had a picture of him standing at first base last year.  He had his cap bill pulled down all the way towards his eyes and his posture was just horrible.  He was literally round and the uni he was wearing was bursting at the seams.

It was sad actually.

[mihoba]

Here is Sapp in motion last year.

Dunlap syndrome.

[Duman]

I think you had a picture of him standing at first base last year.  He had his cap bill pulled down all the way towards his eyes and his posture was just horrible.  He was literally round and the uni he was wearing was bursting at the seams.

It was sad actually.

The picture I took was during pre game warmups and he was slightly leaning  back and the buttons were straining on his jersey.  I don't have it on the web and I can' t post the picture here if any one wants to see it, they can PM me and I will share. 

[Noe]

The picture I took was during pre game warmups and he was slightly leaning  back and the buttons were straining on his jersey.  I don't have it on the web and I can' t post the picture here if any one wants to see it, they can PM me and I will share. 

Send it to me, I can upload it to our FTP site for safe keeping.

[Noe]

Dunlap syndrome.

Believe it or not, he's actually skinnier in that picture than he was last year.

[headhunter]

Well you did, "...but they're competent compared with what JR has been doing."  By no standard is .208 in AAA competent. 

yep. Q is hitting worse than I thought. I thought he was hitting in the 220's--208 is a weaker argument for an offensive improvement--but doesn't he generally hit better than 208?  I thought that Q has been better at the plate than J.R. and looks competent in comparison. Anyway its clear that Q doesn't have the organizations support while JR does.

[matadorph]

Puma's coattails are really long this season. Despite Towles's woeful offensive performance thus far, he's fifth in All-Star voting for catchers.

[MusicMan]

I thought he was hitting in the 220's--208 is a weaker argument for an offensive improvement

1.  Huh?

2.  Quintero, career, MLB: .238/.275/.317

2a.  Ausmus, 2007: .235/.318/.324

Quintero's offense is not an argument for him to be in MLB, period.  If you want to say that he's a better defensive alternative, fine.  But he is by no means an offensive threat.

[BUWebguy]

Hank Conger went 2 picks after Sapp though injured now has been much better overall than Sapp.

Seems like I remember that pick (Sapp instead of Conger) being widely questioned at the time.

[Jacksonian]

Seems like I remember that pick (Sapp instead of Conger) being widely questioned at the time.

Conger was considered the best overall catching prospect that year.  Sapp was considered the better power bat and second best catching prospect (if he could stay at catcher).

[Noe]

Seems like I remember that pick (Sapp instead of Conger) being widely questioned at the time.

The question was if Sapp would be a catcher in the majors.  Most projected him to be a DH or left fielder and the numbers he would put up would not justify spending a first pick on such a guy.  IF he stayed a catcher, it was worth it, but nobody thought he would.

[Jacksonian]

The question was if Sapp would be a catcher in the majors.  Most projected him to be a DH or left fielder and the numbers he would put up would not justify spending a first pick on such a guy.  IF he stayed a catcher, it was worth it, but nobody thought he would.

Astros were insistent.

Left field is being kind.  Most projections saw him at 1B at best and likely DH down the line.

[pravata]

If you're confused about how Houston sports watchers can be so monumentally misinformed, look no further than the local media, Brian McTaggart, grabbing his share of stupid, shares this prescription, on his blog, for how the Astros catching situation should be "addressed",

"[Simple. It means find someone else to catch.]"

That's from a professional sports writer. 

[JimR]

If you're confused about how Houston sports watchers can be so monumentally misinformed, look no further than the local media, Brian McTaggart, grabbing his share of stupid, shares this prescription, on his blog, for how the Astros catching situation should be "addressed",

"[Simple. It means find someone else to catch.]"

That's from a professional sports writer. 

by "catch" he means "hit."

so easy to confuse the two.

[Limey]

Michael Barrett would be a good addition.  Instead of pitchers attacking water coolers in fits of rage, they could punch Barrett in the face instead.

What goes around, comes around.

[Limey]

Here is Sapp in motion last year.

Separated at birth:  Sapp and Phil Krundle.

[Limey]

Dunlap syndrome.

Dunlap?  More like Michelin.

[VirtualBob]

yep. Q is hitting worse than I thought. I thought he was hitting in the 220's--208 is a weaker argument for an offensive improvement--but doesn't he generally hit better than 208?  I thought that Q has been better at the plate than J.R. and looks competent in comparison. Anyway its clear that Q doesn't have the organizations support while JR does.

When all else fails ...
1.  Check the facts
2.  Backpeddle into 'what if' territory

[Kent's Moustache]

Separated at birth:  Sapp and Phil Krundle.

Jan Wolfhouse: So yeah, I heard you got fired from the brewery?

Phil "Landfill" Krundle:  God damn brewery! You know that brewery makes 10,000 bottles of beer a day. I drink 45 of them, and I'm the asshole!

[Limey]

Real funny, Deutsch bag!

[gleach]

Real funny, Deutsch bag!

Well I have spent the last year training for a beer drinking competition!