Absolutely.
He is catching a very "MLB level stuff" pitching staff this season between Espino, Allen, Cantillo, Gaddis, Burns, Curry, and now Williams (on top of the relievers) so he is getting experience catching an array of high-level breaking pitches, off speed pitches, fastballs, high velo, and command/control levels and navigating them through games. Pitching staff has the highest K/9 in the upper levels by almost a full K/9 and sport one of the lowest ERAs in the upper levels. His receiving and framing skills have improved tenfold over the last 2 years, kid works his ass off on his defensive game.
At the same time, he is on pace to cut his PBs in half and is currently sitting at a career high for CS%. He is progressing so well defensively, big reason why he is sticking at C (there were ideas of moving him off of C for his bat to play more).
And like his brother, he just has one of those personalities his teammates gravitate towards.
If only a fraction of Olson’s power could be the result.Looks a little Olson-esque?..
Hey Bimbo, will we see Lavastida and/or Naylor play other positions to keep them fresh while keeping their bats in the lineup?
Do you bring him up and pair him with Hedges as a mentor in the second half?
If this team can't get any consistent production from the C position, is it reasonable to ask the club to advance his timeline and let him handle the big league staff?
Realistically, I think they'd be more inclined to let him continue growing in Double-A and move him up a level.
The game-calling and overall ability to handle the staff would be the biggest challenge here, but if they're convinced of his work ethic, it seems like an interesting risk/reward.
Pinning this thread. And a million thanks to @BimboColesHair for taking the time to answer a lot of great questions!
I thought as much as well which is what prompted my question. I really like what both are doing and have the potential to do. If they did decide to move one it would probably be Lavastida wouldn’t it?I wouldn't. He needs to play as much as possible this season, both him and Lavastida. It will be interesting, since he is very deserving of one, how they handle Naylor's potential promotion to Columbus. Does it coincide with Lavastida being called up after Maile is let go, or do they run it as an experiment to see if the 2 of them can be their MLB catchers in the near future and share time and still be effective. You want both of those guys playing and developing as much as possible, but you also don't want to hold a player down to do so. Tough wrinkle that has to play out.
Assuming the Guardians do OK in this upcoming rough stretch of the schedule, what is the primary target area if they decide to be buyers?
A corner outfielder? Maybe platoon Kwan and Gonzalez at the other OF spot?
A starter to upgrade from Plesac? But in the playoffs, if they can overtake the Twins, you only need four starters.
Bullpen help? Stephan and Sandlin have been pretty shaky lately.
If Dolan authorized one rental trade, what would you go for?
I thought as much as well which is what prompted my question. I really like what both are doing and have the potential to do. If they did decide to move one it would probably be Lavastida wouldn’t it?
I wonder who that was? He's picked up the pace again here recently as well I believe.I think it would be a solid bullpen arm, not an Andrew Miller level stud, and a right-handed hitting platoon bat. Gotta let the kids keep playing so you can't reach for too much too soon.
Someone mentioned him elsewhere, but a guy like Brandon Drury makes a lot of sense as a hybrid replacement for both Mercado and Clement that can be had for not that much (free agent after this season). Has played 1B, 2B, 3B, and SS this season and has played LF and RF in the past. Also fits what the team likes to do; doesn't whiff much, draws walks. Reds and Cleveland have been in contact an awful lot this past off season, so Cincy is very familiar with some of the prospects in the system as well.
I wouldn't. He needs to play as much as possible this season, both him and Lavastida. It will be interesting, since he is very deserving of one, how they handle Naylor's potential promotion to Columbus. Does it coincide with Lavastida being called up after Maile is let go, or do they run it as an experiment to see if the 2 of them can be their MLB catchers in the near future and share time and still be effective. You want both of those guys playing and developing as much as possible, but you also don't want to hold a player down to do so. Tough wrinkle that has to play out.