The one-catcher experiment is over
Posted By Jeff Fletcher on April 21, 2009 10:32 pm
After tonight’s game the Giants sent down lefty Alex Hinshaw and brought up catcher Steve Holm, relieving Pablo Sandoval of duties as the backup catcher.
“It’s getting to that point,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “I need to give Bengie some days off. I’m getting concerned with wearing Bengie down, even this early.”
I think that’s a solid decision by the Giants. I was never much of a fan of the original decision to have Sandoval as the backup catcher. He’s got enough on his plate (no pun intended), trying to be a middle-of-the-order hitter in his first full season and also playing third. The Giants don’t need him trying to catch, or possibly hurting himself in the process.
Sandoval is still scheduled to catch this afternoon. Not sure why Sandoval is catching this game, but it probably has something to do with not wanting to throw Holm out there fresh from the airport. It’s a 12:45 p.m. game on Wednesday.
Yeah it’s about time. I guess they saw enough from Hinshaw. How far off is Romo? And who goes down when he comes up? Velez or Torres?
Send Velez down. He can’t catch or hot or even steal a base. he just runs fast. So does Torres, and he can actually play.
Meant “hit” vs. “hot.” Either way, Torres is infinitely more valuable than Velez.
Jeff,
Zito pitched really well with Sandoval behind the plate.
Last year, Benji was a bit miffed that Zito had a preference for Sandoval.
With today’s and past success as well as how much Zito is paid, why not have Sandoval be Zito’s personal catcher?
Or will Holm be that person? Because it sure isn’t working with Benji.
Traj
Hey guys,
I would like to see Scherholtz more than Velez and if Velez does go down, I do want to see Guzman or Rohinger come up to add some pop.
Even McPherson if he is ready.
Traj
I know that Zito likes Sandoval for the energy he brings to the field, but I don’t remember ever hearing that he preferred Sandoval to Molina behind the plate. If there was something Sandoval did that Molina didn’t, I’m sure Zito is a smart enough guy to convey that to Molina. There are too many reasons to avoid having Sandoval behind the plate. Mainly it’s because of the cost to the lineup of not having Bengie, and the potential double-whammy of Sandoval getting hurt.
I enjoy this blog, but is it me or lately has their been a lack of A’s info? or just a coincidence they are on a road trip and not being able to be covered from afar?
definitely some A’s drama to blog about
holliday/giambi not hitting
offense still struggling
devine’s ending season surgery
chavez/nomar injuries
geren’s quesitonable managing
gallagher sent to AAA
buck cant get playing time