Backup Catcher

[lonesometiger]

Should Laird start on the DL who is the backup at this point? McCann just hit a Grand Slam in the Mets game is he any where close to being the next minor leauger in line for catching?

 

[kalinecountry]

Should Laird start on the DL who is the backup at this point? McCann just hit a Grand Slam in the Mets game is he any where close to being the next minor leauger in line for catching?

idk, that's alot to ask for of a first full year rookie...I do think from all sources read that Laird will be good to go by April 5.

More in line to backup would be, imo, Holaday or Brantley, and they are still learning.

 

[Rebbiv]

It would probably be Santos.

 

[lonesometiger]

It would probably be Santos.

You would think Santo would be. But why then isn't he starting the Mets game?, or even backing up Avila in the Astros game? Tigers are using Maggard in it? There are times this team does things that just drives me to cry.

 

[Rebbiv]

Listen, they do not have anyone else on the 40-man roster. If you add someone like Leyland or McCann, you face service time issues and options. Adding someone like Santos does not effect anything.

As far as spring training games goes, who cared when the team has a split games in the same day. I am sure it was nice to have Weber start the game against the Mets. But really, Thad Weber is a nothing.

 

[kingofdetroit57]

Why not just lean on Alex for the first week and use Kelly in case of emergency? Laird should be back and ready to go pretty soon from what I've read.

 

[amajjd]

Why not just lean on Alex for the first week and use Kelly in case of emergency? Laird should be back and ready to go pretty soon from what I've read.

I agree with just leaning on Alex, I would rather see him starting more games early and give him more time off towards the end of the year. We should have enough offense to make up for laird.

 

[biggunsbob]

That is what we did last year and AA wore out... if you manage his innings all season Alex and his legs will be fine by season's end unlike last year...

 

[motownwebguy]

Laird is fine. Could play nine on Opening Day.

Stay healthy Alex. We do not want to see Gerald for more than 40 games.

 

[biggunsbob]

Laird is fine. Could play nine on Opening Day.

Stay healthy Alex. We do not want to see Gerald for more than 40 games.

Exactly

 

[lonesometiger]

WTFET should AA not go a 125 games I'l be crying Laird no more than au 37 games, and that may be too many popups for me to take.

 

[jdeb]

Laird is fine. Could play nine on Opening Day.

Stay healthy Alex. We do not want to see Gerald for more than 40 games.

We also do not want a crippled Alex come playoff time either, like last year. 100 games behind the plate works for me, he can DH as well.

 

[Rebbiv]

Avila was 3rd in the MLB last year with 130 GS as Catcher. Only 7 catchers had 120 GS or more in 2011.

Catchers with 120 or more GS (130 or more)

2011 = 7 (3)

2010 = 5 (1)

2009 = 8 (4)

2008 = 9 (7)

2007 = 8 (3)


Whether you like it or not, I would be upset if Avila started more than 120-125 games as the catcher. Meaning, yes, Laird would see over 37-42 games started. That is the point of having a back up catcher.

Having Laird on this team is NOT the issue. It is when he is in the lineup with Inge, Kelly, Santiago, Worth, etc, etc. AKA...Leyland's Sunday Lineup.