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Berto says he lost 25 pounds. OK, but will that make him hit better? It should mean less stress on his knees and even better defense.

I don't get the Shaw signing. He's toast.

If the Indians are going to piggyback somebody with McKenzie my vote goes to Allen. Let the opponent load the batting order with lefties then bring in Allen after 4-5 innings. Quantrill can be the #5.
It looks like 15-18 of those pounds came off his face. He looks slim as hell and good for him. I hope his hard work pays off. The thought of him actually getting better defensively is crazy as he is so good anyway. Hopefully, it will allow him to be more durable and reduce his risk of injury.
 
It looks like 15-18 of those pounds came off his face. He looks slim as hell and good for him. I hope his hard work pays off. The thought of him actually getting better defensively is crazy as he is so good anyway. Hopefully, it will allow him to be more durable and reduce his risk of injury.
Yeah, I don't think Hedges is a threat or anything to Roberto's playing time, but when the Tribe tendered Austin, it was clear that the Indians were concerned about Perez's continuing physical issues and perhaps intended to divide up catching duties more evenly if Roberto continued to nurse nagging injuries. This is Perez's biggest year in awhile, as he's staring at a $7m club option or free agency after this season. Time to have a big year, and the only way to do that is be on the field, which is important to show he can do at 32 if he wants to be paid when he's 33. The years creep on you. I'm pretty sure the Tribe would pick up that option if he has some semblance of a 2019 season, but if it's another injury-plagued indifferent year with the bat, we're going to see more Hedges this year and next. So let's giddyap Roberto, because none of us want to see more Hedges than we have to. (Glad we have him, but c'mon.)
 
The catchers will give us elite defense...maybe the best in baseball...and close to 20 home runs, but little else in the way of offense.

Just as importantly, they will be charged with getting the most out of a very young, very talented pitching staff.
 
The catchers will give us elite defense...maybe the best in baseball...and close to 20 home runs, but little else in the way of offense.

Just as importantly, they will be charged with getting the most out of a very young, very talented pitching staff.
No question about the quality defense they bring. I am curious to know if Hedges could hit better in a full time role. His minor league numbers weren't too shabby as he slashed 273/326/441/767. I do feel that they will not exercise the $7M option for Berto next season and should he sign somewhere else then Hedges is a pretty damn good replacement for him defensively and may bring a bit more to the table offensively.............emphasis on may. Looking back on the Clevinger trade getting Hedges was a good move even though he wasn't the main attraction.
 
No question about the quality defense they bring. I am curious to know if Hedges could hit better in a full time role. His minor league numbers weren't too shabby as he slashed 273/326/441/767. I do feel that they will not exercise the $7M option for Berto next season and should he sign somewhere else then Hedges is a pretty damn good replacement for him defensively and may bring a bit more to the table offensively.............emphasis on may. Looking back on the Clevinger trade getting Hedges was a good move even though he wasn't the main attraction.
The CLEFO always seems to pull a rabbit out of their hat when it comes to that throw in character... the one brought along to carry the luggage of the other guys in the deal..
 
Hedges has gotten regular playing time in the past. It didnt seem to help a lot.

His career wRC+ is 60 in 1351 PAs.

Bertos is 78 in 1522.
 
Hedges has gotten regular playing time in the past. It didnt seem to help a lot.

His career wRC+ is 60 in 1351 PAs.

Bertos is 78 in 1522.
He's never accumulated 400 AB in a single season. Actually only got what someone would call "close" once as a 24 yr old. I'm not saying he's a good hitter by any means, I'm just not completely sold that he's a terrible hitter. There isn't enough evidence to prove that IMO.
 
He's never accumulated 400 AB in a single season. Actually only got what someone would call "close" once as a 24 yr old. I'm not saying he's a good hitter by any means, I'm just not completely sold that he's a terrible hitter. There isn't enough evidence to prove that IMO.
I think the evidence is abundant. Austin Hedges has had 1351 plate appearances in the majors (Roberto Perez has had 1522). In those plate appearances, Hedges has shown no propensity to draw walks. Not ever. Roberto Perez has. On numerous occasions.

Hedges is a lifetime .198 BA/.255 OBP; his highest OBP ever was .282. Next highest? .262. Perez is .212/.302 with OBP seasons of .348, .321, 291, 285. When Roberto is comfortable and confident, his strike zone judgment is pretty good. Hedge's strike zone judgment has always been abysmal.

Please don't let our years of watching Perez hit (or not) cloud our judgment of the other guy we've seen little of who has NEVER shown the ability to be a major league hitter. When Perez is going well, he has an idea at the plate. Austin has a poor man's (really poor man's) Woodie Held approach: "Swing hard in case you hit it."

Now, having said all that, there's definitely some thunder in Austin's bat. He has consistently ranked as one of the top long fly ball hitters in the game. That counts for something, even if most of those fly balls harmlessly find gloves and there's precious few of them since he swings like he's playing tee ball...with no ball on the tee. Of course, Perez is strong like bull himself; but unlike Hedges he can take pitches a long way the opposite way, which plays well in Progressive's friendly right-center field.

Don't be mistaken: I wanted the Indians to tender Austin. Had they not, I'd have been furious. I'm tired of the Plawecki's and Sandy Leon's. Austin Hedges is an ELITE defender, right up there with Roberto. And because defense matters, and when you toss some offense on top of it like 2019 Perez did, I wouldn't be so quick to say the Tribe won't pick up Berto's option. In fact, I think it's better than 50-50 that Roberto is back in 2022, even without seeing 2021 results.
 
I think the evidence is abundant. Austin Hedges has had 1351 plate appearances in the majors (Roberto Perez has had 1522). In those plate appearances, Hedges has shown no propensity to draw walks. Not ever. Roberto Perez has. On numerous occasions.

Hedges is a lifetime .198 BA/.255 OBP; his highest OBP ever was .282. Next highest? .262. Perez is .212/.302 with OBP seasons of .348, .321, 291, 285. When Roberto is comfortable and confident, his strike zone judgment is pretty good. Hedge's strike zone judgment has always been abysmal.

Please don't let our years of watching Perez hit (or not) cloud our judgment of the other guy we've seen little of who has NEVER shown the ability to be a major league hitter. When Perez is going well, he has an idea at the plate. Austin has a poor man's (really poor man's) Woodie Held approach: "Swing hard in case you hit it."

Now, having said all that, there's definitely some thunder in Austin's bat. He has consistently ranked as one of the top long fly ball hitters in the game. That counts for something, even if most of those fly balls harmlessly find gloves and there's precious few of them since he swings like he's playing tee ball...with no ball on the tee. Of course, Perez is strong like bull himself; but unlike Hedges he can take pitches a long way the opposite way, which plays well in Progressive's friendly right-center field.

Don't be mistaken: I wanted the Indians to tender Austin. Had they not, I'd have been furious. I'm tired of the Plawecki's and Sandy Leon's. Austin Hedges is an ELITE defender, right up there with Roberto. And because defense matters, and when you toss some offense on top of it like 2019 Perez did, I wouldn't be so quick to say the Tribe won't pick up Berto's option. In fact, I think it's better than 50-50 that Roberto is back in 2022, even without seeing 2021 results.
Not easy finding a great defensive catcher who can handle a staff Now a young staff. I think Perez is resigned as well
 
I can envision Berto as a lifer in the Indians org. He may extend his career as a defensive backup with another org, but once his playing days are over, he could hold a spot in our org for life.
 
I think the evidence is abundant. Austin Hedges has had 1351 plate appearances in the majors (Roberto Perez has had 1522). In those plate appearances, Hedges has shown no propensity to draw walks. Not ever. Roberto Perez has. On numerous occasions.

Hedges is a lifetime .198 BA/.255 OBP; his highest OBP ever was .282. Next highest? .262. Perez is .212/.302 with OBP seasons of .348, .321, 291, 285. When Roberto is comfortable and confident, his strike zone judgment is pretty good. Hedge's strike zone judgment has always been abysmal.

Please don't let our years of watching Perez hit (or not) cloud our judgment of the other guy we've seen little of who has NEVER shown the ability to be a major league hitter. When Perez is going well, he has an idea at the plate. Austin has a poor man's (really poor man's) Woodie Held approach: "Swing hard in case you hit it."

Now, having said all that, there's definitely some thunder in Austin's bat. He has consistently ranked as one of the top long fly ball hitters in the game. That counts for something, even if most of those fly balls harmlessly find gloves and there's precious few of them since he swings like he's playing tee ball...with no ball on the tee. Of course, Perez is strong like bull himself; but unlike Hedges he can take pitches a long way the opposite way, which plays well in Progressive's friendly right-center field.

Don't be mistaken: I wanted the Indians to tender Austin. Had they not, I'd have been furious. I'm tired of the Plawecki's and Sandy Leon's. Austin Hedges is an ELITE defender, right up there with Roberto. And because defense matters, and when you toss some offense on top of it like 2019 Perez did, I wouldn't be so quick to say the Tribe won't pick up Berto's option. In fact, I think it's better than 50-50 that Roberto is back in 2022, even without seeing 2021 results.
I agree with this Who. I view Hedges upside offensively as a Kelly Shoppach type. Will never carry a good average, but has enough power to contribute. Perez has always carried a good OBP, but I didn't see that as any type of advantage because he is slower than shit.

In the end, Perez's and Hedges' ability to handle the pitching staff is enough for me. They are 2 of the best IMO and I'm glad to have them. I wouldn't be disappointed if one of them was replaced with a C that could hit as long as he wasn't terrible defensively, but I'm not advocating for it. I don't expect much offensively from our C, but that only amplifies the others' need to pick up the slack.
 
The catchers will give us elite defense...maybe the best in baseball...and close to 20 home runs, but little else in the way of offense.

Just as importantly, they will be charged with getting the most out of a very young, very talented pitching staff.
based on last years production they project to three home runs--- indeed Hedges prolly needs a map to get to any base
 
I think the duo will combine to hit a decent number of home runs...18-20.
 
I think the duo will combine to hit a decent number of home runs...18-20.
Without seeing how the "tweaked" baseball is going to play, I will say our catchers combine for 15+ HR...which of course means not all that much. :cool:
 

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