Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

[saturn2187]

Hello.


I am playing in a Franchise, I have Salvador Perez as my Catcher. He's a good hitter, putting up 27 HR and 73 RBI through 145 games. I have Travis D'Arnaud (86 Potential) in my minors, and I would also consider acquiring Austin Hedges (90 Potential). However, one thing stops me.


These guys get their high overall rating due to their great defense. But, I play Quick Counts so the number of steal attempts against me is automatically going to be fewer. Not to mention it doesn't really seem like the catchers "Fielding" Attribute does much, if anything?? I also suspect I could put a position player out there and be fine.


Which leads me to question--- is there any way to track Baserunner thrown out % ?? I don't see that stat or passed balls anywhere. Seems like those are important numbers if trying to come up with a Catcher's defensive value?

Thoughts? How much importance to you give Catchers defense?

[seanjeezy]

The fielding rating has an effect on the number of passed balls, the blocking rating affects the number of wild pitches. The latter is pretty important if like to throw a lot of chase pitches.

[hitstreak13]

It does have an effect. I have had poor defensive catchers and it shows. Hoping they add pitch framing this year to really differentiate the great from the mere average.

[HouseKeepinItReal]

I 'think' reaction, in addition to how quickly the catch marker appears, also effects how quickly they get rid of the ball? not sure though...

[justice2328]

Quote: Originally Posted by hitstreak13

It does have an effect. I have had poor defensive catchers and it shows. Hoping they add pitch framing this year to really differentiate the great from the mere average.

I like this idea. Incorporating this with the varied strike zones of the blue men (ie. getting more of the close strike calls for better catchers like lucroy,etc....) would be a great addition to the game....

[TattooedEvil]

I really hope they add "game calling" to their ratings...2K used to have it and it would be so awesome these days with all the different ways the cpu can adapt and learn. If I'm rolling along with a 4 seam and 12-6 all game but cant throw my circle change for a strike y in the world would I want to see that pitch recommended by my catcher? waste pitch, maybe. But game calling hopefully will find its way in

[rongcaieg]

good,Hoping they add pitch framing this year to really differentiate the great from the mere average.thanks

[Ghost Of The Year]

What stat would be potentially used for pitch framing?
RerC?