Talking to people lately about Francisco Cervelli, the man who due to injuries and lack of depth has been forced into the starting catcher's role, I think people's perspectives of this man may be off.The kid is only 23 and he is performing well, but when it comes to the offense, don't expect it to last. Maybe the people reading this will disagree, but the people I have been speaking to lately thinks this man is the future of the team. He isn't, I am sorry. It seems as though people don't understand the concept of a small sample size. He has had only 33 AB this year and some people I have spoken to honestly believe he will be out next catcher. He is batting .303 this year, with 3 RBI. Very good for a guy who was hitting .190 at AA, not AAA, at AA Trenton this year before he was called up. Don't forget, Cody Ransom had 43 AB w/the Yankees last year and hit .302. This year, in 50 AB's before his inury, he was hitting .180.
Cervelli has had five career at bats before this year, he did not have a hit in any of those at bats. He is one for his last 9, has only drawn one walk this year and worst of all, of his ten hits this year, ten are singles.
Maybe people feel bad for him. I don't know how many of you remember this, but he was the player whose wrist was broken last year in Spring Training by the Tampa Bay Rays player.
Don't get me wrong, I like Cervelli. I like the passion he plays with and I love the defense he plays. He isn't afraid to try to throw someone out and he loves what he is doing. As many of you know (or none of you, yeah, probably none of you) Cervelli was in my post earlier in the season about most important Yankees because I wanted him to develop so next year he could be the back up catcher. Unfortunately for him, with the way Posada has gotten injured again, we may need to start looking at him as a part time catcher. We need to look at him as a guy who catches only about 80 games a year. With Matsui coming off the books, that will be good for Posada because he will be able to get many at bats at DH. But since Posada will possibly only be able to catch half the games, we need to sign a catcher who can technically be a starter, and that is not Cervelli.
When Posada and Molina come back, Cervelli may be shipped down to AA or AAA and unfortunately, we may never see him in any sort of extended or important role ever again, especially due to the continued development of Jesus Montero and Austin Romine. Enjoy this guy while you can, because I don't know how much longer it is going to last (his role, or his good hitting)
I completely disagree Mike. I like this kid and like the fact that the Yanks are giving him a shot. Don't forget, Posada was never supposed to be our catcher. He spotted Girardi. did well, and thus, became Georgee. I am surprised you are in more support ofthis kid, I know you usually love when the Yanks play their home growners...Also, keep in mind that we are spoiled with Jorge. He is not your typical catcher. He hits for average, power, and has all of the intangibles that other catchers don't give teams. Outside of the Molina brother named Yadiyir (spell check needed) and Victor M. out in Ohio, catchers just don't hit. I hope Cervelli becomes our future behind the plate...he plays with heart...something we don't see enough of anymore.
ReplyDeleteJohnny Vegas
Sorry about some of the typos above...I had a two year old hanging on my other arm. I meant to say that I am surprised that you ARE NOT in more support of this guy (Cervelli).
ReplyDeleteJohnny V
I hate to disagree Johnny, but 1st off, there are many catchers who can hit other than Posada. Piazza, Joe Mauer, your very own fantast stud Rod Barajas, Yogi Berra!, the upcoming Matt Wieters, Geovany Soto who was last years rookie of the Year, Benjie Molina.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of catchers who hit, but that is besides the point. He will be unable to hit enough to sustain his terrible bat. Lets not forget he is hitting .303 in 50 AB here, but he also hit .190 in 50 AB at AA.
I love the guy, hes plays with heart and passion, but that doesnt make you a great ballplayer. I wanted him to be Posada's back up next year, but because of Jorge's health, we may need someone who can fill a bigger role. I wish Cervelli was our man, but 50 AB doesnt make you a better player. It has just never been in his scouting report, we gotta enjoy him while we can.
Also, Posada was always meant to be the starting Catcher. Girardi was his mentor who slowly handed the role over to him. That was always how it was meant to be.
Thats one thing I love about not thinking players are good enough to have a large role. If I am right, I look good and if I am wrong, we got a great player!
In times like these I hope I am wrong, Cervelli just hasnt done enough to make me think otherwise. We cant get caught up in small samples.
I like how u called him a "kid". You're young. I read this whole thing! Love You.
ReplyDeleteDont judge me based solely on my disgraceful support of Cody Ransom. I feel something for Cervelli and think he will succeed. I remember the Posada thing playing out a little differently, but you are the better historian and Im glad it worked out either way. By the way, I am also glad I was wrong about Robby Cano...he is playing good ball right now and he looks like hes having fun out there. I do deserve props for my love for AJ...he is doing well. We just need him to go the distance. Dont say anything that has the words "leg" and "last" in the same sentence.
ReplyDeleteJohnny Vegas