Is this really an issue? Really?
I wish I could do my best Allen Iverson impersonation here, the one where the former NBA All-Star goes off in a news conference on: "Practice? We're talking about PRACTICE?!"
Only mine would go: "Backup catcher? We're talking about the BACKUP CATCHER?"
Only on the Orioles, only in Baltimore, would this be a controversy. Today it's being treated around here like it's a matter of national security. (You can read Peter Schmuck's column on the subject here and Dan Connolly's blog here).
If you've been out of the country, here's the recap: young Craig Tatum, with 26 major league games under his belt, beat out veteran Chad Moeller for the Orioles backup catcher job.
The club went with Tatum's strong arm and catching prowess over Moeller's steadying influence with the pitchers and popularity in the clubhouse.
Big deal.
The backup catcher plays, what, once or twice a week?
Doesn't the club have lots of other issues to address that are far more important?
Don't Orioles fans have a lot more to worry about with this team than who'll be the backup catcher?
As the wonderfully-erratic AI said to conclude his "practice" rant: "I mean, how silly is that?!"
Comments
It's time to refocus on pitching, pitching, and pitching.
Posted by: DaveinMd | March 31, 2010 12:10 PM
Heidi Fleiss is a proven veteran who would be popular in the clubhouse.
Let's go with the better player.
Posted by: section 34 | March 31, 2010 12:57 PM
Yes, it does matter. The little things can make a big difference. Remember Earl Weaver's maxim: "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." Every major league teams needs every advantage it can muster, including getting the maximum out of every one of the 25 slots on the roster.
That being said, I'm not convinced that Trembley has made the wrong decision here. Weiters is in charge behind the plate, and we have plenty of coaches to steady the young pitching staff. Let's go with the guy with the better bat and better arm.
Posted by: Smitty | March 31, 2010 7:56 PM
Not sure this was Trembley's call. I don't see him as a decision maker in this instance. And unless were at least .500 by break we won't be seeing him for 2011. And no, Moeller's presence in the clubroom wont be a major boon for the Orioles. What they need now is for Trembley to act like a manager and less like a politician. Once our stars are making headlines he wont have the power or influence like he has now. If he cant command respect, it wont matter how many veterans there are in the clubroom, he will be gone. Besides, who doesn't see Jones as the new leader on this squad?
Posted by: Patrick | April 1, 2010 1:24 AM