So I see Mike Axis reporting that the little pisan, aka Cisco "fist pump" Cervelli is being groomed as the personal catcher for 'Naka. http://riveraveblues.com/2014/03/thoughts-after-the-first-week-of-spring-games-100143/ How do you feel about that? And please Rick, feel free to tell us what you think about Girardi's mgmt style, lol!
Cervelli is a very decent hitter who was doing very well last year before he got hurt. Career .271 hitter .343 obp, .318 w/risp, .297 w/runners on base He isn't a slug on the base paths and I've seen worse defensively. The Yanks know he is an asset offensively (as a catcher) and are hoping/waiting to see what he can do if he ever stays healthy for a full season. He could very well become one of the best- if not THE best back-up catcher in the league.
^^^I've always liked Cisco's fire and passion and he's a good catcher. ...I was really disappointed when I heard his name included in the Biogenesis scandal.
"TAMPA, Fla. -- When the Yankees had their organizational meetings, among their top free-agent goals was teaming Masahiro Tanaka with Brian McCann.On Thursday, when Tanaka starts for the first time as a Yankee, the battery will be working together."
He also had a little assist from something called PEDs. Lets see how well he performs without them. As 59 mentioned, I too have always liked his passion & I also hope he does well. As far as him being the personal catcher for Tanaka, I don't know how clueless Joe arrived at that but then again I don't know how he arrives at what shoe goes on what foot. But......if it'll help McCann with an occasional day off, I have no problem with it.
I agree - it does not make the most sense, but it does have some history.. For whatever reason there have been cases where pitchers simply could not work with catchers. Bob Boone was a very good catcher with the Phillies, but Carlton insisted on using McCarver instead of Boone. Same thing with Greg Maddux and Eddie Perez. Gotta given Girardi credit back in 2009 - making Molina Burnett's personal catcher in the post-season was a big reason for them winning the WS that year.
Pitchers are more successful when they are in sync with pitch selection with their catcher. Catchers need days off because of the physical demand of the position. The personal catcher allows for both. Without the personal catcher, every pitcher would end up pitching with two catchers throughout the season and could disrupt rhythm.
