Comparing last year to this year doesn't make any sense. First, the Astros went out and literally brought in the 2017 AL gold glove catcher -- a guy who shuts down the opposing team's running game.
Second, McCann is coming off of a serious knee injury that required surgery. He was already subpar at catching balls in the dirt (which the Astros purposely do all of the time). Do you think he's going to be better coming off of knee surgery?
Third, you know I watched all of the playoffs last season. Did you? McCann was a terrible hitter in the playoffs last season. He batted .175 and struck out 17 times in 57 ABs. He had one big hit in the World Series. At the same time, the Astros had 8 WPs while he was catching in the playoffs last season.
Finally, maybe you should start reading quotes from this season from the Astros pitchers about Stassi and more recently about Maldonado.
You have been on this get rid of McCann kick for two years now. He had two big hits in the NYY elimination games, which were crucial hits in those games. The one big hit you concede in the WS was in Game Five and was a homer off a lefty which regained a three run lead and prevented a nine inning loss. Bregman gave him credit for the win.
What you totally ignore is what McCann means to the pitchers. McCullers called him the team MVP, and JV was giddy McCann was back to catch his bullpen session. I cannot understand this for you, but there is no way in hell he will be the odd man out.
Wait! A WP proves he is a bad catcher? Stassi and Maldano are good defensive catcher, but they cannot handle the pitchers like McCann. JV can hardly contain his irritation with Stassi and has chewed his ass on the mound more than once. There will be a catcher rotation for sure, but McCann is invaluable to the pitching staff.
I am waiting for HH to weigh in on this.
