With 12 days until Pitchers and Catchers report, today we’ll look at the Mets catcher of the future.
2009 Stats: 17 G, 53 AB, .321 AVG, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 2 R, 4 BB, 5 K’s, 1 SB
2010 Projected Stats (CHONE): 120 G, 338 AB, .278 AVG, 3 HR, 37 RBI, 32 R, 32 BB, 44 K’s, 3 SB
Fun Fact: Though Thole only caught 15 games last year, he caught both of the Mets complete game shutouts.
What he’s done over the offseason: Thole went to play in the Venezuelan Winter Leagues where he led his team, Leones del Caracas, in batting average. His stats while playing there were a .381 batting average with three homers, 28 RBIs and 33 runs scored.
What he’s said over the offseason: “I want to rest in December so I can make the team in April.” (El Universal)
What he has to do for the Mets succeed: It doesn’t seem that Josh will begin the 2010 with the ML club, but it’s safe to say he’ll be with the Mets at some time during the season, whether it’s the September call-ups or an injury or even if he shows that he can perform in Spring Training. He’s proven that he can hit at the Major League level and that he can call games pretty well. There’s a reason he caught the only two complete game shutouts of the year. Even though he appears to be ML ready, he could use some time in Buffalo to get his arm better, considering that is his self-described weakness. He could also try to develop a better power swing, because he is mainly a singles hitter. You have to admire his hitting though. For a guy who is only 23, he make contact on tons of pitches. He also chokes up on the bat like the old-school baseball players and he never gives up on an at-bat. Hopefully he keeps that mindset throughout his ML career.
Filed under: 40-Man Roster Overview, Minors | Tagged: Josh Thole
I know it sounds crazy, but Josh Thole profiles best as a second baseman. Remember Craig Biggio? He made the move from C to 2B quite successfully.
His arm is weak, he’s a singles hitter, not an experienced catcher, why not try him at 2B in Buffalo a few times a week, and see what he looks like.
To be honest, his range at second can’t be any worse than the incumbent.
I actually love this idea. Castillo may be tradable after this season since there will be one year left on his contract. Then the Mets could put Thole at second and sign Victor Martinez to play catcher. The only problem with this idea is if the Mets do move Castillo, they may choose to bring up Ruben Tejada or Reese Havens to play 2B since they already play middle infield spots. They may also try to sign Orlando Hudson again or they might not move Castillo at all. There are so many options.
I really wish this kid would make the big league team. His defense might be suspect but I rather have him and Blanco as the catching tandem over Santos. Plus Blanco makes up for some of Thole’s defensive shortcomings since hes one of the top defensive catchers in baseball.
If Thole could DH while Blanco plays behind the plate, I’d absolutely agree, but that’s not the case. Santos proved he is a solid defensive catcher and needs to be in the major leagues to learn to call games from major league arms. Thole already has the ability to call games proven by his 2 caught CG’s, but needs to work on his defensive fundamentals, which need to be learned in the minor leagues.
Kevin, I don’t think Thole’s weakness is his arm, but his receiving and blocking. Being a college catcher myself, Thole needs to work on his framing. He needs to “stick it” or say strong when receiving. Blocking, he needs to get his glove down sooner when dropping to his knee’s to block a pitch in the dirt. I was at that game in Denver when he made his debut, and I think he had about two passed balls. Fundamental wise it just takes hard work and time. He should give Santos a good run for his money in spring training for the starting spot.
[...] Kevin from the NY Hot Corner takes a look at Josh Thole as part of their “40-Man Roster [...]
I like the 2B idea, but let’s face it, the Mets will never be this creative. I think this offseason has proved that once and for all, at least while Minaya is in control.
[...] Saturday, Judy Kamilhor of Baseball Gods Productions suggested on our post about Josh Thole that he should [...]