Gregg Zaun

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 7:00 AM EDT Comment 78 comments

9 months ago: Baltimore Orioles' Gregg Zaun watches his solo home run off Tampa Bay Rays starter Matt Garza during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 5, 2009, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

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The Rays catching situation is dire. Combined, the unit ranks 29^th in OBP (.253), 26^th in SLG (.329), and 29^th in wOBA (.254). A lot of people are saying, "Well, it's not like we need more offense." After all, the Rays are legitimately one of the best offenses in baseball in everything that matters. True, they don't need help scoring runs, but the thing is, runs are runs. Whether run creation or run prevention, adding either or both improves your team.

Which is why I put forth Gregg Zaun for consideration.

For years, Zaun was labeled as the ultimate reserve catcher. You often hear the cliché about doing everything well and nothing great, that's Zaun. He's bounced around from Kansas City to Houston, Toronto, and currently with Baltimore. Zaun has made four starts since Matt Wieters arrived and the Orioles have Chad Moeller, fully capable of being Wieters personal caddy, tucked away in Triple-A.

Zaun is projected at a little worse than league average hitting with an additional 142 at-bats. That number probably goes up as a starter, we'll say he gets something like 280 at-bats from here on out. That's -1.5 offensive runs. During that same timeframe Navarro would be projected at -10 runs. That's nearly an entire win difference over 280 at-bats. As we all know, quantifying catcher's defense is a chore yet to be completed. Although, I highly doubt many would contest Navarro is 9 runs better than Zaun.

Contractually, Zaun is owed 2 million for the entire year, which is dwindled down at this point, and will be paid either 2 million next year or a 500k buyout. Given the upgrade he presents, that cost is ridiculously marginal. Who knows what it would take to acquire him, but odds are not much.

I know Navarro isn't quite this bad, but in this division, if you can add a win for next to nothing, you have to do it.

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Navi is hopeless, the only reason he walked last night was he was so fooled by the pitch

he couldn’t react to swing

Get Zaun, re-call his grand salami v Percy last year

by Raymondo on Jul 1, 2009 7:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Something has to be done.. We cant afford to have a guy out there hitting .200 who in my opinion doesn't call a great game.

by bucpimpin on Jul 1, 2009 7:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I feel kind of vindicated

I brought this up like a month and a half ago and was ridiculed for saying Zaun was better. Of course Navi’s continued poor play definitely has worn thin across Rays nation.

I’m fully on the VMart train. I think we can afford him, especially in 2009. 2010 may be a different story, but remember Navi is somehow still going to be in line for a raise. Of course lets see how the season even plays out. If CC leaves that may give us more flexibility. If we win the WS it may give us more flexibility. Who knows.

But if we cannot get Vmart I do agree with the premise of this post. Get anybody. Navi is just baaaaaaaaad. I think his defense is just pathetic now. He is really lazy (for real) in blocking balls, and I don’t think I see any other MLB catcher fail to frame pitches the way he does.

by matthan on Jul 1, 2009 8:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Are Buck or Olivo available?

by Raymondo on Jul 1, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He walked!

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by FreeZorilla on Jul 1, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it was reasonable to expect Navarro to have a career low walk rate by nearly 5%.

But apparently he’s doing just that.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is absolutely no way Jaso would be THIS bad. No way.

by walkoffwalk on Jul 1, 2009 8:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

heck, there is no way Michele Hernandez would be THIS bad.

by walkoffwalk on Jul 1, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Micheles defense better

I hate pulling out the effort card, but it really looks like Michele is putting 100% behind the plate whereas Navi is barely doing anything. It could be just a matter of bad habits and not effort. However Navi doesn’t frame pitches. Doesn’t block pitches with his body. Doesn’t get into great throwing position on steals.

by matthan on Jul 1, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if he not trying

but Navi just can’t frame pitches. That is true.

Gross for an everyday position! (no offense, Kapler)

by B Ray on Jul 1, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate speculating on the 'why' something is happening

I’m hoping it is a matter of some bad habits. Either way they are happening. On close pitches he just catches the ball normally and tosses it back to the pitcher the majority of the time. He doesn’t even bother to hold the pitch for a second or try to catch it in a certain part of his glove. He is like the polar opposite of Varitek.

by matthan on Jul 1, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Michel is awful.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There sure could be

Go from 0 defense (about with Navi, I’m guessing) to -10 defense, and his offense would need to be a lot better to compensate. Add to that the fact that Jaso’s been a slow starter at each new level, and I could definitely see him being worse.

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by Brickhaus on Jul 1, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the latest on Shawn Riggans?

Gross for an everyday position! (no offense, Kapler)

by B Ray on Jul 1, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Is there any way the Rays could use Kelly Johnson?

He is officially benched now by the Braves for mostly being unlucky this season. I am convinced Pendleton has screwed with his swing trying to cut down on strike outs and has zapped some of his power in the process. I do not see a spot for him, but I am concerned someone in the ALE will pick him up cheaply.

by ClemsonRay on Jul 1, 2009 8:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No use

If he was a righty, he might be an upgrade over Joe Dillon.

Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."

by Brickhaus on Jul 1, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hereira touched on this yesterday:

“Where are you going to find an all-star catcher to replace our all-star catcher from last year?” It’s as if he hasn’t been paying attention, if we still had our all-star catcher from last year, we wouldn’t be looking to upgrade. Instead, we have a windmill behind the plate.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jul 1, 2009 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Herrera lives in the land of Oz

He’s hung up on me several times

by Raymondo on Jul 1, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know, that doesn't suprise me in the least.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jul 1, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thought you might enjoy that

ever listen to that gude?

he just loves to hear himself speak, doesn’t really anser the question

by Raymondo on Jul 1, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Typically don't listen to the radio unless I'm in the car, so I get all of about 10 minutes each day going to and from the gym, and that's about it.

I can't wait until we trade him for a reliever.

by kericr on Jul 1, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate how radio hosts just hang up on callers

If you’re going to take the call, at least listen to what the person has to say. Too often they just hang up on a caller, who may actually know more than they do, but they will continue to refute their argument without the caller on the air. They try to make the caller then sound like he is stupid and most of their listeners will believe the host(s). It’s just a worthless excercis that doesn’t advance any dicussions or ideas.

by nolesblogger on Jul 1, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's sports radio.

What do you expect? Mass idiot appeal. That’s like being pissed that Jerry Springer doesn’t offer a fair and balanced look at trailor trash.

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not expecting anything different.

Just pointing out how stupid it is.

by nolesblogger on Jul 1, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you could learn a good lesson out of this

people don’t like people who disagree with them. It doesn’t matter if they are wrong or not—self preservation

Besides, it’s not like getting your argument heard will change anything for the Rays—don’t worry about them. They are paid to blather. And they love shutting down people.

So don’t let it affect you in the least.

by plasticman on Jul 1, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't let it affect me.

I’ve never called in to any show, so I’m not worried about getting my argument heard. I also don’t think I can have any affect on what the Rays may do. But one of the great things about sports, and why sites such as this exist, is that people can have discussions (and often disagreements) about the different aspects of the games. What it comes down to is that it seems most hosts are more concerned with winning arguments than actually having discussions.

by nolesblogger on Jul 1, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Duemig actually allows you to speak, Cilio and Diaz are clowns

by Raymondo on Jul 1, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haven't heard Diaz (at least I don't remember hearing him)

I’ve only been back in Tampa for this summer and I haven’t been able to find one local host/show that I like. When I was in Tallahassee there was only one sports station and even they had 1 good show.

by nolesblogger on Jul 1, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Without listening to Duemig

I get the impression that he is toning down the rhetoric and, at the least, trying to expand his knowledge. In doing so, listeners have started to take him more serious. Kudos Big Dog if this is in fact the case.

SOSH AUCTION to K ALS

by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 1, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't know either cause I don't really listen to him

There isn’t really anybody that I routinely listen to in Tampa

by nolesblogger on Jul 1, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A thought that is somewhat OT....

With all the advancements in PitchFX, I wonder when someone attempts to quantify “framing pitches.” One would think if a catcher can have any effect, it would be noticeable by use of PitchFX. It would be a huge undertaking, but it might be really, really insightful. Anyone interested in trying to team up to do this this offseason?

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Haha, wow.

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2008/4/5/389840/framing-the-debate

Turkenkopf did, and Gregg Zaun was the best at it. That’s an amazing coincidence.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting...

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I'm reading this right Zaun gets a net 9 more called strikes a game than Navi?

In the sense of strikes called ball and ball called strikes. Wow.

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by FreeZorilla on Jul 1, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That may take some heat off Hickey

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by FreeZorilla on Jul 1, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think its a little silly to saying that this is purely a result of Zaun being so much better at framing pitches than Navi

by Navi's_Navy on Jul 1, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

also

call me cynical, but if the (much smarter) person who is doing the study is having trouble comprehending the results then I’m not too ready to go all-in on the bandwagon that there is a 10-15 win difference over a full year between best and worst catcher in terms of framing pitches.

Wouldn’t it be more obvious in regards to final win totals… you know.. that we’re missing something.

by Navi's_Navy on Jul 1, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zaun is an upgrade over Michel

That is all you need to concern yourself with.

SOSH AUCTION to K ALS

by Sandy Kazmir on Jul 1, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know he hasnt been perfect this year

But is Shoppach available? Im not sure where is defense grades out but I think we could get him for cheap and the man can rake. That being said, if his defense sucks we might as well just bring up Jaso.

by BJ the Bossman on Jul 1, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have a hard time cutting bait on a 25 YO catcher with a past history of success.

Maybe he needs a refresher in AAA. Does he have options?

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The problem is how much success has he really had?

Yes 2008 was a solid year. However if you rank the catchers the way RJ did in this article you’d see that his ranking this year really isn’t out of line. That is what he has usually done. Last year he was only slightly above middle of the pack.

by matthan on Jul 1, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good track record in the minors, too.

He’s also always had ARL on his side. The problem is he has lost any semblence of a batter’s eye. I think he fell in love withat BA from last year.

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not suggesting cutting bait.

I am suggesting at least upgrading over our back-up and platooning the pair if nothing else.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could see doing that...

a lot here seem to want to just give up on him. That would be missing out on some tasty regression IMO.

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm amused by the thought of Navarro going to Cevallos and coming out Mauer.

That or coming out worse. Either way, amused.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And at least this season keeps his arb cost down.

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 1, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish he would do it.

That would be nutso.

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he came out anywhere near Mauer then he should have an MLB job

by nolesblogger on Jul 1, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Navi's 2007

1st Half: .177/.238/.254/.491
2nd Half: .285/.340/.475/.815

Who’s to say he doesn’t regress back to his career mean in the second half?

by rglass44 on Jul 1, 2009 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Eh, He made an awful lot of adjustments during that second half.

Article from the Times, May 2008

There are, apparently, at least three specific reasons why the Rays’ Dioner Navarro has unexpectedly turned into a modern-day Roy Campanella, sporting a .365 average that makes him the hottest hitter among all major-league catchers.
He changed his bat.
He changed his stance.
And he changed pretty much his entire attitude and approach…. As much of a surprise as Navarro has been the first eight weeks this season, his success story began at last year’s All-Star break….
The first day back from the break, seeking something to break his slump, he picked up one of then-teammate Greg Norton’s bats and took a few swings. It had a smaller barrel and a thicker handle than he normally used, and it felt horrible, but he was hitting bullets and bombs.

He’s been tailing off since the start of last year, posting OPS’s that gradually declined until it hit .582 in August. He was hot again in September, but the whole team was.

I tend to believe that his 2nd half 07/1st half 08 is the outlier rather than a true indication of Navi’s hitting ability. Any time you have to make that many changes in your approach, I think there’s always a pretty good chance of the bottom falling out again.

by Vin on Jul 1, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another catcher is needed.

There is no doubt that Dioner Navarro is a fine defensive catcher who calls a “good” game. If the Rays are to make it to the post season once again and compete the catcher position is the black hole in the line up that may cost TB in the long run. Last season it was the lack of hitting against LHP. This season players are being pitched around more and more to get to Navi.

Catchers who may be available beside Zaun from MLB trade rumors 2010 free agent catchers:

Catchers
Ramon Hernandez – $8.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Victor Martinez – $7MM club option with a $250K buyout
Bengie Molina

by J Roxby on Jul 1, 2009 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs