This is the first in a series of 11 articles in which I compare the two or three best players at each position on the baseball field (including starting and closing pitchers, as well as managers) and decide which 10 current players and which current manager I would want in a game for my life. This first article is my analysis of today’s best catchers.
I think it is pretty universally recognized that the two best catchers in the game today are Buster Posey and Yadier Molina. I drove myself crazy deciding whether or not to include guys like Russell Martin and Jonathan Lucroy. Although Lucroy did have an amazing year this year, I have not seen this kind of production from him over the course of multiple seasons, which would warrant including him in this debate. Russell Martin also does not quite compare to Molina and Posey. In the end, Molina and Posey are simply on another level and have been for the last several years. I know I would want one of these guys on my dream team. So now to figure out which one, let’s dive into the analysis.
No one can deny that Yadier Molina puts up some of the best numbers of any catcher. This past season, Molina only started 106 games, due to injury. However, he posted a .282 batting average and had thrown out 21 baserunners. He threw out 47.7% of all attempted base stealers this season, which was the best among all catchers with least 100 starts. These are very impressive numbers. However, almost anyone will tell you that what is so valuable about Molina is his leadership ability. He is the veteran presence in that locker room, he calls all the games from behind the plate, regardless of who is on the mound. He knows exactly when to go out to the mound and talk to his pitcher either to settle him down or perhaps to change the signs (if there happens to be men on base). Yadier Molina has some of the best intangibles of any player in baseball, and that, even more so than his numbers, is why he is one of the best catchers in the game.
Buster Posey is one of this game’s young stars, along with Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Offensively, he is arguably the best (among catchers). He had a .311 batting average and hit 22 home runs, which were first and third respectively among all qualified catchers. Normally, I don’t use WAR as an argument, but in this case, I feel it is worth pointing out that Posey was one of only two catchers with a WAR above 5. His defense is a bit of a weak area in his game, however. In 2014, Posey threw out only 29.8% of base stealers. In fact, since 2010 Posey’s caught stealing percentage has decreased each season. It went from 37.1% in 2010, to 35.7% in 2011, 30.4% in 2012, to 30% in 2013, and, as I mentioned, 29.8% last year. Many people say Posey’s defense is underrated, but you cannot argue with the numbers. His defense is a significant hole in his game. Nonetheless, Posey more than makes up for it with his offense.
Which one of these two elite catchers would I want on my team? The answer is simple: I would want Yadier Molina. The biggest reason I would take him over Posey is the defensive deficiencies that Posey continues to demonstrate. Buster Posey is still only 27 years old and I have no doubt that he will work on improving his defense, but until he does, I cannot build a team with him as my catcher. With Molina, I know that I have a virtual 50/50 shot at throwing out base stealers, and I also know that I have a veteran leader in my locker room. Buster Posey may end up being the better catcher when all is said and done, but right at this moment, Yadier Molina is the catcher I would want on my team of today’s best stars.
I will keep a running list of my roster at the end of each of my articles. By the end, All of the spots will be filled. The order the positions are listed below is the order I will be writing my articles in:
C – Yadier Molina
1B –
2B –
3B –
SS –
LF –
CF –
RF –
SP –
CP –
Manager –
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @AvossaLWOS and @US_SportsBlog. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest Sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
