Is Ryan Doumit the Catcher of the Future?
Ryan Doumit -- ztil301/Flickr.com
In 2008, Doumit proved -- to a certain extent -- what he is capable of. His bat has progressed into a legitimate offensive threat in the lineup. And the lineup was just not the same when he was out with an injury. But that is the problem...Doumit is injury prone. 2008 was considered his first full season as a big league regular, but he still only played in 116 games -- a number that simply doesn't get the job done.
For example, the Braves' Brian McCann over the last three seasons has played 130, 139 and 145 games. An extra 30 games of Doumit's bat in the lineup is needed for the Pirates offense to succeed on a consistent basis.
The other knack on Doumit has always been his defense, which it usually is when it comes to the development of a catcher. However, you like to think that his offense makes up for what he may lack defensively. Doumit, though, can get better with more action. When he first came up, he wasn't trusted enough to handle full-time catching duties, splitting most of his time between first base and right field. The decision to put him behind the plate and tell him that it's his job last year was one that should pay off in a huge way.
Doumit caught more games last season than his first three years combined. And he's come a long way to prove himself capable of the job. His defense should continue to improve and his offense is already able to produce McCann-like numbers.
Doumit's just got to stay on the field to make it happen.
He's a strong contact hitter that rarely strikes out, but he draws few walks as well.
We were able to see a brief glimpse of Diaz last season when he appeared in two games for the Pirates. Combined in those two, he finished with three hits in six at-bats, driving in one run and stealing a base.
He seems athletic enough to handle a backup catching job. And I like his speed -- he's a proven base stealer as a catcher, which doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but just adds a little more to his athleticism.
Much like Jaramillo, who you will read about below, Diaz should become a cheap option with some legit ability. I fully expect there to be no need to scramble for a veteran presence. The job is currently Doumit's, and the rest will fall into place.
In his first full season, Jaramillo hit .304 in High-A. A broken right hand in 2006 caused his numbers to dip in the following season. He moved up a level reglardless in 2007 and managed to hold his own.
Reports have described him as a gap-to-gap hitter, who can spray line drives all over the field. A note in his BA profile in the 2008 handbook said that he "can become a reliable backup."
The only thing that caught me with that remark is that you would expect a second-round draft pick to be able to develop into a little more than a reliable backup. I suppose we'll just have to see how 2009 plays out for him, though.
Regardless, I like his ability from what I've read. And my personal opinion on the trade was that it was something that needed done. I had no problem shipping Paulino out, because he was somebody that visibly did not want to be here. The Pirates don't need to shoulder a player like that. I'm actually surprised that we got something of value in return.
Beyond these three, the system is a little thin, to say the least.
In the coming days, we'll take a look at what exists further down the minor league chain for the Pirates -- most notably Andrew Walker and Steve Lerud.
Until then...
Questions to consider:
- Will Ryan Doumit be around when this team is a winner, or is he someone that we should look to shop in the coming years? He obviously has value.
- Can Doumit stay healthy for an entire year? How much does his injury history worry you?
- Too early to tell what kind of future Diaz and Jaramillo will have with the team? If nothing else, should be very cheap, young, capable backups, right?
- How good would Matt Wieters have looked in this post?
- Will the team miss Ronny Paulino at all as its backup? And did Che ship him out too early?
- Is Steve Lerud really deserving of a 40-man roster spot?
- As a whole, what do you think of the position? Is it a pressing need that has to be addressed or should Che sit on Doumit? Where would you go from here?
- Baseball in India?
- Winter League Weekend Wrap
- Michaels signs with Astros
- Is Adam LaRoche less valuable because of his dramatic splits?
- Pirates finalize deal with Vazquez
- Diaz Triples... Let the Catching Wars Begin
- The Trades That We Could Have Done Without
- Rule 5 Draft Day
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6 Comments on "Is Ryan Doumit the Catcher of the Future?"
#1
Posted by Cory Humes, December 15, 2008 1:47 PM
If some contending team were willing to give up an impact bat for Doumit (and by impact, I mean another Jose Tabata), then I'd have to consider a trade.
Diaz and Jaramillo, while nothing outstanding, at least could prove to be a capable tandem behind the plate. Look around Major League Baseball and count the number of teams who have similar catching situations, or worse.
Losing Doumit would hurt the middle of the Pirates' order now, but it would mean a lot to replace that production a couple years down the line with a legitimate No. 4 hitter.
#2
Posted by john holland in reply to comment from Cory Humes, December 15, 2008 1:52 PM
The guy can definitley hit if he can play even average major league defense that will work. Thank god they unload that mess (that can't run hard 100% to first base) Paulino he was horrible!
#3
Posted by Alan Smodic in reply to comment from john holland, December 15, 2008 1:58 PM
In total agreement with Paulino. We don't need that. Doesn't want to play or be in Pittsburgh? Then ship 'em out. Same should go for everyone.
Agree on Doumit as well. I believe we'll see him get better on defense, too, as he accumulates more big league experience. But his bat is definitely worth it now.
He just needs to stay healthy.
#4
Posted by john holland in reply to comment from Alan Smodic, December 16, 2008 11:38 AM
Alan,
First of all cool Crosby jersey ! I agree with you 100% if you don't want to be in Pittsburgh ship em out. Are you as frustrated as I am with the Pirates brass of just not getting it for what 15 straight losing seasons? They either don't draft well, don't develop well or always sign the wrong free agent al Derek Bell, Matt Morris or Jeromy Burnitz. Penguins fans and Steelers fans are loyal the Pirate fans (with good resaon) seem to be dwindling 4 straight years now. It's a shame PNC is such a beautiful ball park!
#5
Posted by Alan Smodic in reply to comment from john holland, December 16, 2008 12:04 PM
Yeah, it's been very frustrating. And the whole Littlefile/Bonifay eras did nothing well -- signing/drafting/trading players. It was all a mess.
But I do believe that since Huntington has come on board, that has all changed. I believe the plan is in place to build from the ground up -- this last draft proves that.
The Pirates shelled out a good bit of money in that draft and will continue to do so. They drafted high-end talent late and forked out the money to get them signed. This needs to continue to happen.
As these kids make it, then I trust that Nutting will stick to his word and make the moves with payroll at that time -- much like the Brewers this past season.
I don't like to continue waiting, but I believe the ship has been righted, to an extent. We're in much better position now than those dreadful years before. Hopefully we'll see a winner in that beautiful ballpark in a couple years.
#6
Posted by john holland in reply to comment from Alan Smodic, December 16, 2008 12:40 PM
You may be right time will tell ! I just didn't like him breaking up one of the best outfields in the National league in Bay, Nady and MClouth. You need some talent at the major league level for this kids to come up around yes ? Nady and Bay were affordable (And both wanting to be in PIttsburgh) and having good years. If you add Alvareza and Tababta to that mix in two yaers watch out we might have a team. John
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