Post by Rog on Jan 28, 2014 18:33:00 GMT -5
The difference in Bench is rather pronounced. In 1967-69 he allowed a pitch to get past him with a runner on base once every 17 innings. The rest of his career his rate was one advance every 31 innings. He became nearly twice as stingy after his first two-plus seasons.
The more I look at this, the more convinced I am that Johnny was better overall catcher beginning in 1970, even though his caught stealing percentage dropped off.
In an intriguing coincidence, Johnny's one advance per 31 innings after 1969 was the same as Buster's one per 31 innings thus far in Buster's career.
I think Yadier Molina might be the best ball-blocker around. He's allowed one advance per 30 innings, and last season was at only one every 45 frames.
Matt Wieters is considered outstanding in this regard. He's averaged one advance every 38 innings over his career. I thought Ivan Rodriguez might have been pretty good at this, but he allowed an advancement every 21 innings.
As we look at some pretty good catchers, Buster's numbers stack up pretty well -- especially given how many balls the Giants' pitchers throw in the dirt.
The more I look at this, the more convinced I am that Johnny was better overall catcher beginning in 1970, even though his caught stealing percentage dropped off.
In an intriguing coincidence, Johnny's one advance per 31 innings after 1969 was the same as Buster's one per 31 innings thus far in Buster's career.
I think Yadier Molina might be the best ball-blocker around. He's allowed one advance per 30 innings, and last season was at only one every 45 frames.
Matt Wieters is considered outstanding in this regard. He's averaged one advance every 38 innings over his career. I thought Ivan Rodriguez might have been pretty good at this, but he allowed an advancement every 21 innings.
As we look at some pretty good catchers, Buster's numbers stack up pretty well -- especially given how many balls the Giants' pitchers throw in the dirt.