A Catching Comparison

by R.J. Anderson on Sep 2, 2009 7:17 AM EDT

Gregg Zaun as a Ray (51 PA): .306/.333/.490
Dioner Navarro since Gregg Zaun became a Ray (41 PA): .216/.293/.324

Convert that to runs and you get a four run difference over 50 PA. That means, in the span of a half month, Gregg Zaun's offensive game alone has been worth nearly a half win more than Navarro's during that same time. Now I wouldn't expect both to continue at these levels, but anyone blaming Gregg Zaun for the Rays not winning recently is ignoring reality.

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What makes the agent's claim so hysterical is

giving navi credit for a win in the game which Zaun hit the slam

by sternfan1 on Sep 2, 2009 7:25 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

LOL

GEOFF ZAUN is pissed at him

Over the Monster: an unofficial blog for Red Sox bandwagon "Fans"

by raysfan81 on Sep 2, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Here might be some options

The Royals may be ready to cut ties with catchers John Buck and Miguel Olivo this winter, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. Buck is a non-tender candidate, while Olivo has a $3.3MM mutual option. Dutton also speaks of mixed reviews on rookie catcher Brayan Pena. My take: if the Royals decide to enter the free agent market, they can consider names such as Rod Barajas, Ramon Hernandez, Jason Kendall, Bengie Molina, Ivan Rodriguez, Brian Schneider, and Jason Varitek. Arizona’s Chris Snyder could potentially be available via trade.

Dutton traces Buck’s history as a major piece in the Carlos Beltran deal. The 29 year-old has a career-best .446 SLG in limited playing time, but he’s never mustered an OBP above .308 in his career. He’s easy to run on as well, unlike Olivo. Olivo changed his mind and re-signed with the Royals in November once he was promised the starting gig. He has better power than Buck but is even worse at getting on base. I think Pena deserves a better shot; he’s only 28 in January and he’s showing improved power this year. He seems just as good as most of the options listed above.

by sternfan1 on Sep 2, 2009 11:36 AM EDT reply actions