Opinions on today's young catchers

I just want to know what the grizzled vets of TBR's baseball community think...

More and more often now we hear of a catcher with a pop time of < 2.0. And they are getting younger and younger. I went to several college games this year and didn't see many at that level get it to 2B that well.

Here are my questions:
1. Are younger catchers really getting that much better?
2. How overrated are pop times anyway?
3. Are times valid without a batter in the box? (just there)

I believe that catching is a skill that has been overlooked in the past but is being taught better than ever. The other questions I have mixed emotions anyway....

POst your thoughts on these and let's see where we go.

Please do not name player's names, this is about catchers overall, not specific players.

 

I am new to this board but have been around baseball for a few years. With that being said, I think the times are simply exaggerated. I have disproved more sub 2.0's this fall than I can count.

The worst instance was a supposed 1.8 that I had as a 2.2 in 3 games straight.

 

I agree that the pop times are overrated and underestimated. Throwing velocity and accuracy are much more important as well as receiving and blocking, but until colleges and showcases do something to assess catchers besides getting their pop times, that's all we will hear about.

It's unfortunate that in every showcase I have attended, the catchers get 3-5 throws down to 2nd for pop time and catch bullpens. They rarely get the chance to show their true catching abilities unless they are seen in game situations.

 

You steal on the pitcher, regardless of the catchers pop time.

 

The only sub 2.0 I see are cheaters. It is a skill being taught to catchers today. They recv the ball in front of the plate. If they caught that way in a game, the batter would take theit heads off with a swing. If not they will never get a strike since the ball never crossed the plate.

 

Pop times are a good indicator but

Certainly pop times are good indicators but other points of interest are IMO

Ruggedness.

Knowledge of THEIR pitchers.

All out aggressiveness to deny a score or advancement of a runner.

Understanding the opposiing hitters tendencies.

Oh yeah. Knowledge of the 4 strike zones. The hitters, the umpires, the rule book zone, and what their pitchers THINK is the strike zone.

Then of course there is blocking and framing.

I guess single most might be can they just play a game of catch with the pitcher.

But I do think more attention should be placed on fundamentals of the position.

 

Coach on the field..

Pop times are important if you take them during the game.. that is when you truly see what a Catcher has.. WHile I aggree with MArlin most stolen bases are on the pitcher a Catcher if he is a coach on the field can help his pitcher give each of them the best chance to throw a guy out. Too many Catchers just sit back there and let kids steal.

Accuracy, and Arm stength is what should be measured, Knowledge understanding of the game and Toughness is what needs to be observed.. Game Time stuff .. College coaches can fix bad mechanics.

College Coaches select Pitchers pretty much on arm strength first don't they.... "Who throws the hardest.. I can teach him how to pitch and throw strikes".. I ve heard that too many time...
It should be the same for Catchers.

 

CBC Tryouts

What were the pop times of the catchers you had at your tryout? Curious to see if any were 2.0 or better

 

A lot of great points on this thread. I attended a showcase with a ML scout and his emphasis was with the catchers. I watched one kid that obviously had a strong arm and I asked him what his POP time was. He said, "I don't know. I never time that stuff. I'm watching how he receives the ball and his footwork. I can tell if a catcher is lazy or not."

IMO, a catcher is so much more than a strong arm. I like the one's that can take control of his pitchers....and show mental and physical toughness.

 

There are so many important attributes for a catcher. POP times are only one small part. I agree with Marlinfan1- Bases are stolen on pitchers, not catchers. I have watched many college level catchers this fall, and almost all have good arms, but most lack blocking skills and game control skills (being vocal, take charge kind of guy)
When evaluating pitchers I also include delivery time to the plate (runners on base). It does not take a rocket scientist to calculate delivery time to the plate + POP time vs time to steal a bag.
The catching position should be a strong willed forceful person- A TAKE CHARGE kind of player, that receives well, has excellent footwork, quick feet, good blocker, strong arm, and a thinker. IMO a catcher has to work extremely hard at his craft, not only to mke himself look good, but also make his pitcher look good to. A good cather keeps the ball off the backstop, not allowing runners to advance on poor pitches; helping his pitcher stay in the game. As they advance they should learn how to read hitters' weaknesses and help his pitcher capitalize on those weaknesses. Get that "ground ball or weak pop up"

POP times are not the tell all about a catcher, but a strong arm will help when the pitcher's throw is low or off the plate. It is very discouraging to see high level college players that are lacksidazzickle behind the plate.

Last year I got the chance to see Phil Disher (USC)a few times. ABSOLUTLEY INCREDIBLE! Receiving, blocking skills, footwork, vocal, and an absolute CANNON for an arm- A true freak of nature.
IMO the catcher is the best position on the field, always involved in every pitch, every play. Young catchers need to work on being more vocal, fearless, take charge players. Find an experienced instructor, pay attention, and execute what you learn.