Eric Munson-backup catcher?

[Gizzmonic]

I was listening to the Tigers game yesterday.  Munson was behind the plate; the new radio guys seemed to genuinely believe that he had a shot making the roster as a backup catcher.  I find that hard to believe since he hasn't caught regularly in years.  

Isn't he more of a Mike Lamb type guy?  Don't we already have Mike Lamb?  I mean, I'm impressed with the way he's swinging the bat, but why would the bat be the overriding concern with backup catcher?  Isn't he the last guy you want to have to use up for pinch hitting?

 If Eric Munson is making the team, at whose expense will it be?  What do you think his role with the team would be?

[HurricaneDavid]

"Garner is considering Munson as a backup catcher possibility behind starter Brad Ausmus. Humberto Quintero, Raul Chavez and Hector Gimenez are also in the running for the job."

The Link, also,  The Link

[chuck]

He could be this year's Luke Scott but right now he looks damn good at the plate. Yes, I know that has nothing to do with catching.

[pravata]

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I was listening to the Tigers game yesterday.  Munson was behind the plate; the new radio guys seemed to genuinely believe that he had a shot making the roster as a backup catcher.  I find that hard to believe since he hasn't caught regularly in years.  

Isn't he more of a Mike Lamb type guy?  Don't we already have Mike Lamb?  I mean, I'm impressed with the way he's swinging the bat, but why would the bat be the overriding concern with backup catcher?  Isn't he the last guy you want to have to use up for pinch hitting?

 If Eric Munson is making the team, at whose expense will it be?  What do you think his role with the team would be?

Is Garner serious or is their history influencing him?  Also, he has a thing about catchers who can play somewhere else.  His vivisection experiments with Asmus last year hint at that.  Here's where I miss Ashby.  He'd have a read on this situation.  I also think he'd have shed better light on what was going on with Backe.  The best the new guys could do was, maybe he's working on his fastball.  Of course, Dave's description of Berkman's two run double was a joy.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I was wondering about this too.  I think a couple needs exist, which will be addressed by a bench player, for the Astros.  The primary need is another pinch hitter.  I don't have a link, but Garner also expressed concerns with making some of his desired moves because it left him exposed at the catcher position, i.e. using Chavez as a PH or taking Brad out of the game at any particular time, as it left him with either no options at catcher or limited PH options.  

As it stands, the Astros appear to be planning on 12 pitchers, at least based on a number of comments by Garner.  That leaves 13 spots remaining, with 8 going to the starters, whomever they may be (Bagwell being the only question mark).  Based on that, there's a number of ways the remaining roster could be built:

Starters in no particular order:
Berkman
Biggio
Lane
Wilson
Bagwell (if Bagwell ends up retiring Taveras, I assume, is in.  Otherwise, Taveras could end up in AAA)
Ausmus
Everett
Ensberg

Bench:
Bruntlett
Burke
Lamb
Chaves/Quinterro
?

I wonder if Munson, given he can play catcher (and not just in name as the case applies to Lamb), 1B, and 3B he doesn't give Garner a bench of super-subs.  Both Burke and Bruntlett can play any position with a one or two exceptions.  Lamb can backup at 1B and 3B but is also the primary stick off the bench.  Chavez or Quinterro act as the primary backup catcher and RH PH.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out but from all reports Munson is on fire.

[Jacksonian]

Quote:
I was wondering about this too.  I think a couple needs exist, which will be addressed by a bench player, for the Astros.  The primary need is another pinch hitter.  I don't have a link, but Garner also expressed concerns with making some of his desired moves because it left him exposed at the catcher position, i.e. using Chavez as a PH or taking Brad out of the game at any particular time, as it left him with either no options at catcher or limited PH options.  

As it stands, the Astros appear to be planning on 12 pitchers, at least based on a number of comments by Garner.  That leaves 13 spots remaining, with 8 going to the starters, whomever they may be (Bagwell being the only question mark).  Based on that, there's a number of ways the remaining roster could be built:

Starters in no particular order:
Berkman
Biggio
Lane
Wilson
Bagwell (if Bagwell ends up retiring Taveras, I assume, is in.  Otherwise, Taveras could end up in AAA)
Ausmus
Everett
Ensberg

Bench:
Bruntlett
Burke
Lamb
Chaves/Quinterro
?

I wonder if Munson, given he can play catcher (and not just in name as the case applies to Lamb), 1B, and 3B he doesn't give Garner a bench of super-subs.  Both Burke and Bruntlett can play any position with a one or two exceptions.  Lamb can backup at 1B and 3B but is also the primary stick off the bench.  Chavez or Quinterro act as the primary backup catcher and RH PH.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out but from all reports Munson is on fire.

Fill those question marks with Palmeiro.  The only jobs in question right now are #5 starter, last bullpen spot, Bagwell/Taveras and backup catcher.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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I was wondering about this too.  I think a couple needs exist, which will be addressed by a bench player, for the Astros.  The primary need is another pinch hitter.  I don't have a link, but Garner also expressed concerns with making some of his desired moves because it left him exposed at the catcher position, i.e. using Chavez as a PH or taking Brad out of the game at any particular time, as it left him with either no options at catcher or limited PH options.  

As it stands, the Astros appear to be planning on 12 pitchers, at least based on a number of comments by Garner.  That leaves 13 spots remaining, with 8 going to the starters, whomever they may be (Bagwell being the only question mark).  Based on that, there's a number of ways the remaining roster could be built:

Starters in no particular order:
Berkman
Biggio
Lane
Wilson
Bagwell (if Bagwell ends up retiring Taveras, I assume, is in.  Otherwise, Taveras could end up in AAA)
Ausmus
Everett
Ensberg

Bench:
Bruntlett
Burke
Lamb
Chaves/Quinterro
?

I wonder if Munson, given he can play catcher (and not just in name as the case applies to Lamb), 1B, and 3B he doesn't give Garner a bench of super-subs.  Both Burke and Bruntlett can play any position with a one or two exceptions.  Lamb can backup at 1B and 3B but is also the primary stick off the bench.  Chavez or Quinterro act as the primary backup catcher and RH PH.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out but from all reports Munson is on fire.

Fill those question marks with Palmeiro.  The only jobs in question right now are #5 starter, last bullpen spot, Bagwell/Taveras and backup catcher.

Damn, I knew I was forgetting someone.  Thanks...

[pravata]

In past seasons we've tended to dismiss agonizing over the 25th guy.  Get a veteran who knows how to stay focused with a decent pinch hitting bat because he wont play much was the most we hoped for.  However, this season, this guy The Link (by Sean McAdam) thinks that testing for amphetamines will affect stamina and that a teams bench might be more important than in years past.  How does the Astros projected subs, Burke, Bruntlett, Palmeiro, Lamb, catcher's spot, compare with Sean McAdam's picks for the best benches?

[Taras Bulba]

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In past seasons we've tended to dismiss agonizing over the 25th guy.  Get a veteran who knows how to stay focused with a decent pinch hitting bat because he wont play much was the most we hoped for.  However, this season, this guy The Link (by Sean McAdam) thinks that testing for amphetamines will affect stamina and that a teams bench might be more important than in years past.  How does the Astros projected subs, Burke, Bruntlett, Palmeiro, Lamb, catcher's spot, compare with Sean McAdam's picks for the best benches?

Sean is surely a good lad with a fine tenor voice, but he may be a wee bit in over his head.

[pravata]

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In past seasons we've tended to dismiss agonizing over the 25th guy.  Get a veteran who knows how to stay focused with a decent pinch hitting bat because he wont play much was the most we hoped for.  However, this season, this guy The Link (by Sean McAdam) thinks that testing for amphetamines will affect stamina and that a teams bench might be more important than in years past.  How does the Astros projected subs, Burke, Bruntlett, Palmeiro, Lamb, catcher's spot, compare with Sean McAdam's picks for the best benches?

Sean is surely a good lad with a fine tenor voice, but he may be a wee bit in over his head.

Well, the oppositions got a very good bass section, mind. But no top tenors, that's for sure.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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In past seasons we've tended to dismiss agonizing over the 25th guy.  Get a veteran who knows how to stay focused with a decent pinch hitting bat because he wont play much was the most we hoped for.  However, this season, this guy The Link (by Sean McAdam) thinks that testing for amphetamines will affect stamina and that a teams bench might be more important than in years past.  How does the Astros projected subs, Burke, Bruntlett, Palmeiro, Lamb, catcher's spot, compare with Sean McAdam's picks for the best benches?

I read that yesterday.  I thought it was an interesting question, but almost completely unfounded until there's adequate proof of his assertion that more rest for starters will be necessary.  I'm dissappointed in Baseball right now as it pertains to the steroid/amphetamine discussion goes but I, like many fans I assume, am trying to set aside that dissappointment and avoid assuming everyone is guilty.

As far as quality of benches are concerned, I thought this "overall" ranking was pretty pointless.  Outside the context of how each manager uses his bench, you don't know jack about how effective that bench will be at executing the tasks the manager assigns to them.  

Knowing Garner, having watched him over the past year and half or so, I'm really excited to see what he does with the bench players he's accumulated.  Despite my previously overlooking Palmeiro, he is, in my mind, comparable Viz of previous years and what Springer, currently, is to the bullpen.  They set the tone, as the veterans in their respective roles.  

Of the rest of the bench (Lamb, Burke, Bruntlett, and the backup catcher - who ever that ends up being), only Burke and the catcher seem to be a real question.  Burke is more of a question in the field, outside of 2B and LF, as they are commenting that he could see time at SS and 3B and, to my knowledge, he's never spent much time at either position at the major league level.  The backup catcher is a question only in that it seems to be a wide open race between 3 guys (Chavez, Quinterro, and the dark horse Munson).  Until they choose to enlighten we meager fans with who will fill that role, I wouldn't offer an opinion (FWIW) there.    

Bruntlett has seen enough time in the field to erase any concerns.  Now it's only a question of what he'll produce at the plate.  Given that's not his primary role, is that a big issue?  The only way we'll know is if Houston makes a move to bring in a different utility infielder or bat for the bench. Lamb is and always will be "feral cat" in the field but I like watching him come up in a PH situation.  He may not get a hit but he's going to give a solid at bat based on the situation.  Palmeiro is a solid hitter and solid OF.  All in all, I like the Astros bench.

[Froback]

Well let's look at the bench guys:

 Mike Lamb:  Can play 1B/3B.  Not a good fielder but can play those positions in a pinch.  Has good lefty power, although not a good enough hitter to play every day (as we have all seen)
 Eric Bruntlett:  Can play SS/OF/2B(probably).  Super Sub, can probably play anywhere but C.  Good PHer, not much power but good speed and decent OBP.  Not quite good enough defender or hitter to play everyday, but excellent Super Utility type guy.
 Orlando Palmeiro:  Can play all OF spots.  Good lefty contact hitter, verteran PHer who understands and willing accepts bench role.  Good club house guy.  Not much speed or power anymore but good in the clutch.
 Chris Burke:  2B/SS/OF, probably could play 1B if needed.  Good fielder, would be starting 2B if not for Biggio.  Track record shows very good On-base skills (batting and walking), excellent speed, not alot of power.
 Back-up Catcher:  All defense no bat, Quintero probably better thrower and more power, Chavez has more experience and might be better working with pitcher (not sure though).  Niether will dazzle, both serviceable as back-up catcher.

So as a collection they have only 1 power bat (a lefty) and several good contact guys.  All positions have multiple players for depth reasons if you need to move people around.  Catcher is the only position where you have only 1 back-up type, but then who really needs more?

I find it hard to see why the Astros bench isn't as good as the others on the list, except that a couple of those teams have guys who at one time were regulars.  So if a long term replacement were needed, I would say all the Astros bench guys could probably do that, with the exception of OP, but most (Lamb being the exception) have not ever started on a regular basis.  Burke is likely to be the best guy to fill a regular role though.  The Astros do have Scott and a couple other who might be called up should injuries be an issue, but I think the bench is being addressed from a "give the starters a break" perspective in this article.  Sometimes people assume that former regulars are good bench guys, but I think that is not always the case.  I think people like OP make better bench guys because they understand and accept that role and are happy with it.  Former starters always think they can/should still start.  Sometimes that causes issues, and some guys NEED to start to bat well too.

I am used to the Astros being overlooked though so I am not concerned.  I would prefer it if one of the righty bats could also be a power threat should that be needed, but overall I am happy with the bench as is.  If the Astros ever go to 11 pitchers instead of 12, look for Luke Scott being the first guy put on the bench, which gives another power bat, but it is another lefty.

[No? in Austin]

Quote:
In past seasons we've tended to dismiss agonizing over the 25th guy.  Get a veteran who knows how to stay focused with a decent pinch hitting bat because he wont play much was the most we hoped for.  However, this season, this guy The Link (by Sean McAdam) thinks that testing for amphetamines will affect stamina and that a teams bench might be more important than in years past.

Interesting premise by McAdams, but I think it's an extreme viewpoint to have to value a bench.  I think that a manager's want to use a bench is more telling than some silly worry about greenies.  For instance, Dusty Baker is a manager who uses a bench because he loves to use veterans interchangeably (new word?).  I think Phil Garner, a diciple of Chuck Tanner, is also one who loves to use a bench.  Tony LaRussa year in and year out has one of the highest ratios in the league of lineup variations.  I remember one year reading that LaRussa had uses 140ish lineup that season compared to Larry Dierker using 82.  Dierker of course was always being told by Gerry Hunsicker to try and give more playing time to players like Daryle Ward, especially when he had a chance to make some righty/lefty matchups work for him.  Dierk would refuse and did things his way most of the time.  And that is why Dierk had less of a need for a bench than most managers.

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How does the Astros projected subs, Burke, Bruntlett, Palmeiro, Lamb, catcher's spot, compare with Sean McAdam's picks for the best benches?

Knowing how Garner likes to use bench players, I have to believe Scraps doesn't feel he has all the pieces he needs to effectively use a bench to it's fullest.  That is why guys like Orie, Jimerson and most especially Munson are given legit shots to make this squad.  Might even mean carrying one less reliever because of it too.  If I was Mike Gallo, I might be worried.

[chuck]

I happened to be standing along the foul line today before the game as Gaetti passed along signing autographs. As he got into my range I asked him about Munson and he stopped what he was doing and looked up at me and winced, saying 'Boy, that's a tough situation.'

[astro pete]

Like Garner says, nothing set in stone, but after reading  this  

Quote:
 "I had reason to be much more confident in him last year because he showed to me that he came in, took the ball and he was (ready)," Garner said of Gallo. "You could tell when you give him the ball there's a difference between being hyped and being a little bit out of yourself sometimes. He's still a guy that's going to be excitable and going to be hyped.

"I thought last year he really showed that he learned perhaps to control his emotions. But more importantly to me he knew what he wanted to do when he came in the game and he was pretty good at executing."

And this

 

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"I think Mike Gallo did a wonderful when he came back from Triple-A last year and carried us down the stretch as the only lefthander," Garner said. "It would be my preference to have two lefties, but that's not set in stone."

And  especially this

 

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"We wanted to introduce a little more offense into the equation by trying to find someone like Munson who's more offensive-oriented," general manager Tim Purpura said. "It's just a matter of what you get defensively because that's the strong suit of Chavez and Quintero."

I'm thinking it's Chavez and Quintero who should be most worried.

[Gizzmonic]

What is Ausmus' work load going to be this year?  I've heard some conjecture about him only working with 3 pitchers this year instead of 4, to reduce wear and tear.  The man's made of titanium, but he is getting on in age.  

I guess if Munson played 2 out of every 5 games, you could rationalize having him in there for his stick...also assuming that Ausmus would probably relieve him in late innings (catching Lidge for example).  It seems like an unlikely scenario, but you can never tell with ol' Scrap Iron.

[astro pete]

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What is Ausmus' work load going to be this year?  I've heard some conjecture about him only working with 3 pitchers this year instead of 4, to reduce wear and tear.  The man's made of titanium, but he is getting on in age.  

I guess if Munson played 2 out of every 5 games, you could rationalize having him in there for his stick...also assuming that Ausmus would probably relieve him in late innings (catching Lidge for example).  It seems like an unlikely scenario, but you can never tell with ol' Scrap Iron.

I'm beginning to like this Munson character more and more.  Never having been a big fan of Chavez defensively, I think Munson's power more than offsets whatever loss you have defensively, particularly since we're talking about a back up catcher.

[mihoba]

The only reason to keep Munson, in my mind, is for the RH power off the bench, not as a backup C. Would the Astros keep 3 catchers (if you include Munson as a C)?

What I'm trying to say is I doubt if Munson is going be the primary backup catcher, unless he is a much better receiver than I give him credit for.

[astro pete]

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The only reason to keep Munson, in my mind, is for the RH power off the bench, not as a backup C. Would the Astros keep 3 catchers (if you include Munson as a C)?

What I'm trying to say is I doubt if Munson is going be the primary backup catcher, unless he is a much better receiver than I give him credit for.

Only way they'd go with Munson AND Chavez/Quintero is if they go with 11 pitchers.  Lots of reasons why they wouldn't, although nothing is certain.

What do we know about Munson defensively?  How much do we care?

[homer]

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The only reason to keep Munson, in my mind, is for the RH power off the bench, not as a backup C. Would the Astros keep 3 catchers (if you include Munson as a C)?

What I'm trying to say is I doubt if Munson is going be the primary backup catcher, unless he is a much better receiver than I give him credit for.

Only way they'd go with Munson AND Chavez/Quintero is if they go with 11 pitchers.  Lots of reasons why they wouldn't, although nothing is certain.

What do we know about Munson defensively?  How much do we care?

Do we REALLY need to rehash the importance of the catcher's defensive ability? Even for the backup?

[astro pete]

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The only reason to keep Munson, in my mind, is for the RH power off the bench, not as a backup C. Would the Astros keep 3 catchers (if you include Munson as a C)?

What I'm trying to say is I doubt if Munson is going be the primary backup catcher, unless he is a much better receiver than I give him credit for.

Only way they'd go with Munson AND Chavez/Quintero is if they go with 11 pitchers.  Lots of reasons why they wouldn't, although nothing is certain.

What do we know about Munson defensively?  How much do we care?

Do we REALLY need to rehash the importance of the catcher's defensive ability? Even for the backup?

You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.

[homer]

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The only reason to keep Munson, in my mind, is for the RH power off the bench, not as a backup C. Would the Astros keep 3 catchers (if you include Munson as a C)?

What I'm trying to say is I doubt if Munson is going be the primary backup catcher, unless he is a much better receiver than I give him credit for.

Only way they'd go with Munson AND Chavez/Quintero is if they go with 11 pitchers.  Lots of reasons why they wouldn't, although nothing is certain.

What do we know about Munson defensively?  How much do we care?

Do we REALLY need to rehash the importance of the catcher's defensive ability? Even for the backup?

You don't have to do anything you don't want to do.

I am not opposed to it necessarily (we do have just over a week to kill), but isn't there another controversy we could stir up instead?

[mihoba]

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What do we know about Munson defensively?  

I know that Munson has caught exactly 1 inning of MLB in his career.

[HudsonHawk]

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What do we know about Munson defensively?  How much do we care?

We know he wasn't able to keep a job as a catcher, even though those that are solid defensively can keep one despite not hitting their weight.

[das]

Yeah, I hear that Pravata guy is mean and Alkie may have a substance abuse issue.  I see the teams' hitting woes are carrying through to the new year and Count Purpula will likely not be able to rest on the laurels of Gerry the Hun again this year.  Apparantly, a lame version of Breedlove is back and JimR has yet to utter a single F-bomb this year.  And, visions of Bagwell playing the Doug Brocail role in the dugout are dancing in our heads.

[astro pete]

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We know he wasn't able to keep a job as a catcher, even though those that are solid defensively can keep one despite not hitting their weight.

 Garner on the move:

 

Quote:
 "I believe we saw him as a big power hitter and we saw him as perhaps an average catcher," said manager Phil Garner, who managed Detroit from 2000 to 2002. "When I came to camp in 2000, we had him in camp, and we were trying him at first base and third base, and he worked hard.

"I think the objective was he was going to be a big offensive player and to put him in a position to best utilize his offense rather than wear him down behind the plate. He didn't blossom as quite the offensive player that everybody kind of thought."

[astro pete]

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I am not opposed to it necessarily (we do have just over a week to kill), but isn't there another controversy we could stir up instead?

At least the 25th man debate is infinitely better than the "Todd Self should never have been DFA'd and should still be in Round Rock" debate.

[HudsonHawk]

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We know he wasn't able to keep a job as a catcher, even though those that are solid defensively can keep one despite not hitting their weight.

 Garner on the move:

 

Quote:
 "I believe we saw him as a big power hitter and we saw him as perhaps an average catcher," said manager Phil Garner, who managed Detroit from 2000 to 2002. "When I came to camp in 2000, we had him in camp, and we were trying him at first base and third base, and he worked hard.

"I think the objective was he was going to be a big offensive player and to put him in a position to best utilize his offense rather than wear him down behind the plate. He didn't blossom as quite the offensive player that everybody kind of thought."

Translation:  "We didn't see him as a Major League catcher".

[Lefty]

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Garner on the move:

and:

"Munson did a nice job....He receives the ball nicely, gives a nice target, is not jumpy behind the plate."

Ideally, there'd be a roster spot for him as a RHPH w/ power, 3rd catcher, backup 1B/3B.  Kind of a RH version of Lamb.  But it doesn't look like there's a spot, so oh well.

Did the Stros carry 12 pitchers for the majority of last season?  I can't remember.

Hopefully he can get some reps at C in RR...

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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Garner on the move:

and:

"Munson did a nice job....He receives the ball nicely, gives a nice target, is not jumpy behind the plate."

Ideally, there'd be a roster spot for him as a RHPH w/ power, 3rd catcher, backup 1B/3B.  Kind of a RH version of Lamb.  But it doesn't look like there's a spot, so oh well.

Did the Stros carry 12 pitchers for the majority of last season?  I can't remember.

Hopefully he can get some reps at C in RR...

I could be wrong but isn't Munson a lefty?

[astro pete]

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Translation:  "We didn't see him as a Major League catcher".

Not as a starter.  Surely the standard is lower for a back-up.  From what I've read, at the very least they think he's competent enough behind the plate to warrant consideration for the #2 job.

[Lefty]

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I could be wrong but isn't Munson a lefty?

Yep.  That's what I get for pining for the "ideal situation".  RH pop on the bench is about the only glaring weakness I see, and was trying to kill multiple birds & all that.

If Bagwell can throw left handed, I see no reason why they can't teach this kid to switch hit.

Move along, nothing to see here...

[astro pete]

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I could be wrong but isn't Munson a lefty?

You're right.  I was under the impression he hit right-handed.  This doesn't help his chances.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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Translation:  "We didn't see him as a Major League catcher".

Not as a starter.  Surely the standard is lower for a back-up.  From what I've read, at the very least they think he's competent enough behind the plate to warrant consideration for the #2 job.

It's also the very question Garner is pondering:

Garner said. "It's hard to be a good offensive guy if you don't get to hit but once a week. I think it's easier to keep your defensive skills than it is to keep your offensive skills.

"It's a juggling process. Does it makes sense to have an offensive catcher that's not as good defensively as your other guys, or do you want to go for the offense? That's the question that I'll have to answer."

 article

edited to add...
It may not help his chances but given he can hit, what's the harm in keeping him in AAA to see if he can improve his play behind the plate?  At the very least, he offers a skill at the catcher position which, by the Astros own admission, is missing in their existing candidates.  I could be wrong but that may be why House and Munson were brought into the picture.  

My bet, Chavez has seen his final days as a player for Houston.  But, that's all speculation at this point.

[astro pete]

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Did the Stros carry 12 pitchers for the majority of last season?  I can't remember.

They opened the season with 11 because the April schedule enabled them to go with four starters for the first two or three weeks.  They may have also tinkered with the roster at the end of August to get some position players (ie-Luke Scott) eligible for the playoff roster.

[HudsonHawk]

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Surely the standard is lower for a back-up.  From what I've read, at the very least they think he's competent enough behind the plate to warrant consideration for the #2 job.

That's my point.  He couldn't even find work as a backup catcher.  I don't know that much about Munson, other than he's not been a catcher in pro ball.  But if he was drafted as a catcher, there's a reason he was moved from it, and it's most likely because he wasn't that good at it.  That's basically the only reason you move a guy *from* catcher.

[astro pete]

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Surely the standard is lower for a back-up.  From what I've read, at the very least they think he's competent enough behind the plate to warrant consideration for the #2 job.

That's my point.  He couldn't even find work as a backup catcher.  I don't know that much about Munson, other than he's not been a catcher in pro ball.  But if he was drafted as a catcher, there's a reason he was moved from it, and it's most likely because he wasn't that good at it.  That's basically the only reason you move a guy *from* catcher.

I think that's the debate.  Back-up catcher: "perhaps average" guy with pop (Munson) or solid defensive catcher who can't hit (Quintero)?  Not sure why Chavez is still in the picture...

[Froback]

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Not sure why Chavez is still in the picture...

Amen!