MLB: 2014 Chicago Cubs
- Thread starter Bret44
- Start date
There isn't a better free agent catcher than Martinez.
That being said, offensive numbers this past year and defensive wise, he's not much better than Castillo. Castillos greatest weakness is framing but that's something he can work on this offseason. Overall, Martinez is not worth the money he'll be asking for, especially if we start buying pitching
That being said, offensive numbers this past year and defensive wise, he's not much better than Castillo. Castillos greatest weakness is framing but that's something he can work on this offseason. Overall, Martinez is not worth the money he'll be asking for, especially if we start buying pitching
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
last year Martin had a .402 OBP with 11 homers and and .832 ops.
last year Castillo had a .296 obp with 13 homers and a .695 ops.
that's a hell of a difference in obp for 2 extra homers and worse defense.
True, but...
- Martin: $8 - $11 million
- Castillo: $600K
How do those "2 extra homers" look now?
The Cubs have a ton of cost controlled, young talent, they have plenty of money available, that's not an issue.
11 million for a 100 point jump in OBP with better defense? Sign me up. I don't think you realize how bad a sub .300 obp is.
The issue with Martin isn't if he's worth spending the extra money to get the player from last year as that's a no-brainer. The issue is can he replicate that season to be worth the 4 years that he'd require.
Plenty of money available. But if we really sign Lester, Shields, and Price, do we need to spend that much on a catcher?
Keep in mind Schwarber is remaining a catcher for now because he impressed the front office. A good 2015 and Schwarber is our starting catcher in 2016.
Keep in mind Schwarber is remaining a catcher for now because he impressed the front office. A good 2015 and Schwarber is our starting catcher in 2016.
Where does it make sense to spend those dollars? An extra .100 OBS from a catcher or pitching? Now, if Martin blows Castillo out of the water when it comes to calling a game, then we can talk. Pretty sure Wellington was Arrieta's catcher this year, and they seemed to have a bit of chemistry. Maybe a fluke, though...
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If you're spending that much on pitching, I think it makes sense to get a catcher who is one of the best defensive and framing catchers in the game. I don't see Schwarber becoming an everyday big league catcher, so there would still be plenty of opportunities for Martin to catch even when Schwarber comes up.
It makes sense to spend money on both positions, upgrade wherever possible.
I'll support whatever decision the front office makes. That being said, if I were them, I wouldn't touch Martin unless he took a 1-2 year deal or 4 year, less than 6 mill/year deal.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
No amount is too much. We could send 7 1st round picks and $100 million and still it's a steal.
Ok...bring on the Hot Stove. Maybe a new thread? Chicago Cubs Hot Stove? Just an idea, and I'm willing to give it to someone else.
