Just asking
Does something have to be done about the backup catcher situation on the Tigers - or are you all O.K. with how things are going with Dane Sardinha, nice guy and fine defensive catcher, as the backup?
The reason I ask is because veteran backup Chad Moeller was designated for assignment when the Orioles called up Matt Wieters, and Moeller will be eligible to sign with another team on Wednesday.
He's a career .231 hitter, who hasn't done much at the plate since 2003 - so would he be enough of an improvement?
After all, Sardinha's on-base percentage (.080) remains lower than his batting average (.087) because a sacrifice fly counts for OBP, but not BA.
Comments
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Re: Just asking
I use the nickname "sardines" quite frequently, and it's nothing derogatory at all. I'm not concerned about him, either. He's a backup catcher and, from all reports, he calls a fine game. I think it's a cooler name than "pineapple" which is what his teammates call him, because of something going back to his days in Hawaii, where he grew up.
Re: Just asking
Well, I'd like to think so. But, since he is having such a hard time out there, it is more likely that the term was derogatory - but apologies to the poster using it if it was not meant in that way
Sardinha
Dusty seems to have warmed up some.
OBP/SLG/OPS currently are .386/.448/.834.
There was concern that he was having trouble blocking major league pitches in the dirt. He was the organization's defensive catcher of the year a couple of years back, so I can't believe his defense was all that bad. I think he's worth a look.
backup catcher
Moeller? Absolutely. If one goes to a couple of Baltimore blogs one will see that Moeller has been snakebit on the hits this year. One site commented that Moeller has been on ESPN 3 times already this year for hits taken away from him. Another site talks of the pitchers going to management last week asking that Moeller be kept and Zaun be released. Another says that he is a clubhouse favorite. The Yankees with all the money in the world kept him as a backup last year and most Yankee fans have said that if they kept Moeller and Molina as the catchers (and not signing Ivan) they would have made the playoffs. With everything I have read, I think he would be a real positive.
Re: Just asking
I don't think the people calling him "Sardines" are doing it in a negative manner. Simply a nickname like many of the players here have. At least that is the way I take it.
Re: Just asking
I feel bad for Dane Sardinha.(Why are some folks on here disrespecting his last name?! Get a life!) He knows that if he doesn't hit at least a little above the Mendoza line that he will be shipped out. He even said so himself and in so doing has increased the pressure on himself. Moeller is a downgrade defensively, but as an earler poster said, if he can knock in a few runs in relief of Laird and get them a game or two more in the win column as a result, they certainly have to think about it. I wish Ryan were ready though. He is showing signs of coming out of his hitting funk lately, however,so maybe they go that route? Avila isn't ready yet. I guess we will know after Wednesday
Backup Catcher
Time Traveler says.."the Tigers may have to go with Inge again".....LOL. Why?
Backup Catcher
Sardines ain't the answer. The Tigers may have to go with Inge again.
Back up Catcher
Bob- Exactly my point. It is relevant because there are probably 100 catchers, Moeller being one, who are more capable with the bat, and just as capable with the glove than Sardines. Again, something can be done to improve this position, let's do it!
Joe- My point is that over a 162 game season, if we can win 1 more game by improving a position, why not? It could be the difference between making the playoffs and not. I think it makes for better discussion than giving Miggy hitting tips or talking about Maggs vesting.
Back up Catcher
I think you missed the point there, friend. Insert Maggs, Guillen, Granderson, or whomever you'd like if you didn't like the Cabrera example. My crusade is common sense, not bashing on Cabrera. Focus, Fly Dog! Focus! But don't waste your efforts on a back-up catcher. Pick something important!
P.S. Who are you shipping him out for that can hit better, field better, come at the same salary, and knows the Tiger's coaches and staff? Gotta run.
Back up Catcher
I believe Gage bought it up only in relation to the fact that Chad Moeller was available.
Back up Catcher
Joe- You're right, it's more relevant to go on a daily crusade about how terrible your team's best hitter is, pointing out all of his flaws and questioning his work ethic, when all of the evidence points to the contrary. Cabrera is what he is, he's going nowhere. Now Sardines is a different story. We can actually do something about him, like ship him out.
Back up Catcher
Fly - I still think it's waaaay down the list. A player that gets in the game once a week? If Sardines doesn't hiy much, no big deal. If Cabrera doesn't hit much, then that's a problem. Not Sardines. I doubt too many teams are pinning their post-season hopes on their back-up catcher.
Back up Catcher
I was chastised in here about a week ago for discussing our back-up catcher situation. I was told it was unimportant, wayyyy down the list of things to be concerned about. Tom Gage brings it up, and suddenly it's a relevant, valid question.
Troyman- David Price is African American, bringing the ML total to 5 starters. Also, do dark-skinned Peurto Rican's count? They're African American also.
BK- I wasn't around much during the off-saeson, but I did check in after the EJ trade. I don't remember much crying over losing Matt Joyce, just "Re-Joicing." BTW, I remember commenting that Jackson had "Electric" stuff, and was told by a few to curb my enthusiasm. Curb this!
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!
Back up Catcher
No Moeller.....bring up Avila or Dusty Ryan. Surely either will hit .231. Pineapple is good defensively and even though he can't hit a watermelon, he does a yeoman's job. I'd rather see Ryan right now.....though his slow start this season has negated my excitement about his possibilities. Avila is an intriguing item but he's For the moment, my call would be sticking with Sardinha until his bat sends him back.
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