Matt Wieters

by John Sickels on May 29, 2025 1:11 PM EDT in News Comment 55 comments

Thinking about Matt Wieters

Wieters was expected to be the top college position player in the draft this year, and I think he's lived up to that. He was pitched around a bit for Georgia Tech, and seemed to be pressing early in the year, getting off to a somewhat slow start. But he heated up as the season progressed, and his numbers still came out strong: .358/.480/.592, with 10 homers and 51 walks. He has switch-hitting pop and excellent strike zone judgment; I don't have doubts about his bat.

Some people knocked Wieter's defense heading into the season, but the scouting reports on his glove are positive now. He's always had the arm strength (he'd be a solid prospect as a pitcher), and his footwork and blocking skills have improved. He could use a bit more polish, and some people still have doubts about a 6-5 catcher, but I personally believe that his fielding will be at least major league average.

Overall I think he's the most complete college position player available. If I were the Royals, I'd strongly consider him at number two, going with either him or Porcello.

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Question

What separates Wieters from J.P. Arencibia, Josh Donaldson, and Mitch Canham? All four have raked this year while also drawing some questions about their defense and ability to stay behind the dish.

I really like Wieters as a prospect, but I guess i'm just not sold that he is a "special" Boras player in the mold of Teixeira or J.D. Drew.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 29, 2025 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

catcher stats

Is there one site that has the stats for all these players complete with BB/SO? Visiting individual college athletic sites for each player is tedious.

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 29, 2025 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boyd's World

You can get stats for every player at http://www.boydsworld.com/data/.

by Pistol on May 29, 2025 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weiters

has no questions about his defense. Weiters is excellent defensively. The only concern about whether he can stay behind the dish is that he's so tall that people think the crouching will be bad on his knees and eventually sap him of his power.

Also, Weiters raked last year as well, and walks as often as he strikes out.

Vice-Chairman of the Sonnanstine Underground Railroad

by Brickhaus on May 29, 2025 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, FYI

His CS% is 65% this year, or at least it was the last time I checked.

Vice-Chairman of the Sonnanstine Underground Railroad

by Brickhaus on May 29, 2025 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re:

The question about his defense is if he can even stick at his current position. I never said he was poor defensively, but at 6'5"-6'6", he would probably be the tallest catcher in MLB history. Will his knees hold up over the next few years?

Personally I think that is a huge concern - most people don't want to take a college 1st baseman with a top 5 draft pick.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 29, 2025 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd guess

that he has enough mobility (and definately enough arm) to move to 3B rather than 1B, if he needs to move off of catcher.

Vice-Chairman of the Sonnanstine Underground Railroad

by Brickhaus on May 29, 2025 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

height

His height hasn't hindered his defensive abilities to this point. By recent accounts his defense is strong. So I wouldn't worry about his ability to stick at C.

Being 6'5" and catching may be more of a grind. But you're not drafting his entire career. Your drafting his first six years. Worrying about how a draftee might be physically when they are 32 isn't worth it. Save that analysis for decisions on veteran free agents.

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 29, 2025 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Just because he hasn't moved yet doesn't mean he won't move. He should be an average catcher at the MLB level, but IMO scouts have good reason to question his ability to stay there given his huge size.

Also, teams have to worry about his first seven years at least, maybe eight, depending on how long he stays in the minors. There's already been subtle talk of moving Mauer off catcher and he's only 24. Knees have a way of breaking down on you quickly.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 29, 2025 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

doesn't mean he will move either...

Your stance reminds me of the whole "a small pitcher will break down" line of thinking. Wieter's is plus defensively and has an elite bat for this college class. I wouldn't pass on him based on a stereotype. My scouts would need to provide better reasoning than that.

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 29, 2025 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh

I wouldn't go that far on his defense or his offense. I think he's currently solid behind the plate and should carry that to pro ball, but certainly not a plus defender. I guess that's debatable though.

I also don't think he's a truly elite bat. He's probably the best college hitter in this draft, but I don't see him as an elite college hitter such as Alex Gordon Mark Teixeira. However, someone is going to have to pay him elite money, because Boras is shooting for the moon. I'm not certain he's worth it.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 29, 2025 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

that it's a question of whether the height will hurt his defensive abilities. Instead, it's a concern that he's more likely to get a knee injury than most squatty catchers because taller people have longer ligaments, and longer ligaments are more likely to weaken more quickly over time. Once the knees get weak, it's very hard to get any power behind your bat, especially if you're someone who used lower-body leverage to create torque - just ask Jason Kendall. Thus, the concern is really whether his bat will deteriorate if he stays at catcher, not whether his defense will deteriorate.

Vice-Chairman of the Sonnanstine Underground Railroad

by Brickhaus on May 29, 2025 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Height

Yes, it happens. But suggesting Wieters is a significant risk to have knee problems before he's 29 (and still pre-FA) purely on sterotype seems like a pretty doomsday attitude to me. Piazza is only an inch or two shorter.

I think if your afraid to keep a plus bat, who can handle the defense at catcher, behind the plate due purely to injury risk then you deserve to have Navarro or Olivo types manning your backstop. It's not like Vitters, Porcello, Moustakas, etc don't carry their own significant risks...

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 29, 2025 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kendall

Always been a big Kendall fan here, but its not like he ever had any power.

by JakeFree on May 30, 2025 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

from '98 to '01 he hit 12, 8, 14 and 10 HR. and the 8 was in the half-season where he broke his ankle on the fourth of july. the last three years combined, he's hit one HR. one. (though he did hit a warning track fly ball a couple of days ago. that was exciting.) this year he's slugging .194!!

by jpahk on May 30, 2025 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whatchootalkinaboutwillis?

Kendall had Isos above .150 (which is great for a catcher) for 4 straight seasons with Pittsburgh. Once his legs started to get messed up, all his gap power disappeared.

Vice-Chairman of the Sonnanstine Underground Railroad

by Brickhaus on May 30, 2025 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

give me the homers!

screw gap power, unless you're talking 50 doubles per year

by JakeFree on May 31, 2025 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly...

I think that Wieters is going to be the best player of the 2007 draft. He's pretty much the complete package. If he stays away from injuries (which is no sure bet for catchers), he's got a good shot at a great career. The only negative is that Boras is his agent.

by parrot11 on May 29, 2025 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How far

can wieters drop?

by NYYLover1000 on May 29, 2025 5:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would say

He definitely won't drop past the Cardinals at #18. They seem to not be afraid of Borass. The better bet though is he does not drop past #10, as the Giants do not mind dealing with Borass either, and they could really use a near-ready impact bat like Weiters, no matter what position he ends up at.

by guru4u on May 30, 2025 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've heard

The Nats would like to make a big splash, and would take Weiters if he is there.

by doublestix on May 30, 2025 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Article from BP regarding tall catchers

For what it's worth:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2658

by benzalman on May 29, 2025 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: BP

What if BP existed around 1979. How would an article regarding 6'3 shortstops have looked then?

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 29, 2025 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think Wieters will be fine. PLayers are getting bigger in general. And if at age 30 something he moves, so what.

by benzalman on May 29, 2025 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Point taken... but...

Catcher is pretty rough on the bod - especially for big guys and teams have been willing to sacrifice defensive value for the offensive trade-off they can get out of a so-so SS. I know some of the taller guys have been good defenders as well, just speaking in general terms

If Clemens and Smoltz face off in a deciding Game 7, we could witness the perfect storm of nonsensical comments from Bravesin07 and NYYLover1000 - gatling

by slurve on May 29, 2025 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cape Cod

Wieter's impressive stats last summer in the Cape Cod wood bat league.

.307/.417/.535 8 HRS - (Orleans Cardinals)

But I guess the smart thing to do is pass on him because he's tall </sarcasm>

by im not new on May 29, 2025 6:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Again

No one in this thread has suggested that Wieters will be a poor pro player or that he shouldn't be drafted at all.

Personally, my concern is that he isn't this ultra-elite hitting prospect that some make him out to be. However, Boras has classified him as a "special" player, and he will make sure he is paid as such. A huge signing bonus + MLB contract will be the starting point for contract talks.

Does it make sense to take Wieters and break the bank to sign him? Or would it be wiser to take an Arencibia, Canham, or Donaldson in the late 1st/sandwich and save a few million dollars and a spot on your 40 man roster?

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 29, 2025 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

Canham is a 4th year collegiate who didn't even hit .300 for the Beavers in 2006.

As for Boras, he is supposed to have alot less leverage this year. Year long hold outs are no longer possible. If your team is drafting 2nd overall and you don't sign the player then I believe you get the 3rd overall pick the next year. Clubs have more leverage than before. To run away from top talents over the Boras factor is weak mindedness. All these teams have cash hand over fist.

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 29, 2025 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um

Those stats are irrelevant. Same deal with his stats from this college season, or any college season for that matter.

Let's talk about what Wieters did in high school. Can anybody find me statistics concerning this?

by mrkupe on May 29, 2025 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He hit around .400

If you think College stats are irrelevent you really are lost.

casedog

by casejud on May 30, 2025 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

unintentional comedy at its finest.

by jpahk on May 30, 2025 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were TB

I'd actually go Wieters #1 since they already have a ton of pitching.

by Havok1517 on May 29, 2025 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

They may have a lot of pitching

But passing on David Price would be hard ... considering a lot of their pitching still has question marks.

I'm hoping that the Cubs take Wieters, though. Would be nice to get a young catcher in the system that's got some value. Wieters/Porcello is what I would want ... but I'd be fine with Vitters.

by toonsterwu on May 30, 2025 6:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

does anyone else have the feeling that wieters

is going to end up looking a lot like adam dunn?

i'm thinking that he'll hit for a .250 average with lots of walks and lots of homeruns.

i even think he'll end up as a submediocre left fielder.

ANATOMY OF ERA:
Variables Don't; Constants Aren't

by overlord on May 30, 2025 8:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What makes you think that?

I actually think he may hit for a solid average, but will be lacking in the HR department. I'm thinking roughly .280-.300 average with 15-20 HRs.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 30, 2025 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think it might be his size

he's got an awfully large strike zone. how many 6'5" hitters can top .300?

i think that, like dunn, he'll be able to mash in the minors. he'll have a .300 average as a minor leaguer, maybe even higher, but i think that when he gets to the majors he'll make the choice to swing for power instead of swinging for contact.

ANATOMY OF ERA:
Variables Don't; Constants Aren't

by overlord on May 30, 2025 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A couple names that come to mind...

David Ortiz and A-Rod. Strike zone doesn't effect them.

by NewKidInTown on May 30, 2025 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Derrek Lee

by knightgalt on May 30, 2025 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

a very good counterpoint

but he's got a completely different body type. as does mauer and Arod.

ortiz is an interesting comparison, but i think he's a lot closer to 6'2" than 6'5".

i think that adam dunn, and richie sexson, and tony clark are much more apt comparisons than david ortiz.

ANATOMY OF ERA:
Variables Don't; Constants Aren't

by overlord on May 30, 2025 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even if he is Dunn....

That's still a pretty good offensive output from the Catcher position, assuming he sticks there.

I actually think the better comparison here is Mike Piazza. Similar body types, similar offensive skills. I have no idea how good or bad of a game he calls, but he seems to do a better job of throwing out runners than Piazza.

Piazza is the best comp I can think of.

by guru4u on May 30, 2025 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

by no means is the comparison a slight on wieters

it's just what i see when i look at the video, and when i read the scouting reports.

ANATOMY OF ERA:
Variables Don't; Constants Aren't

by overlord on May 30, 2025 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

He'll be a mixutre of Johnny Bench on defense and Yogi Berra at the plate.

by benzalman on May 30, 2025 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

heh

Yeah, Piazza is the greatest hitting catcher in MLB history... that one was a little wacky.

and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on May 30, 2025 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

Did I say he was going to produce Piazza's numbers? All I said was that his frame and his approach at the plate remind me of Piazza.

Piazza is likely the greatest hitting catcher of all time. Noone ever thought he would stick at catcher more than 2 - 3 years tops because of his bat, his size and his inability to throw out baserunners. Not sure about the last point, but the first two seem to be echoing in every Wieters discussion we have here.

by guru4u on May 31, 2025 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wieters

I personally like Wieters. TB would be nuts to pass on Price and take this kid. But this kid would be a fine choice at #2 or #3. Joe Mauer is 6'4" right? So who cares if this kid is 6'5". And someday, yeah he will be a 1B or DH, but if you get him at C till he was about 30 or so, it wouldnt be to bad. And if his bat is as good as they think it will be. He doesnt need to be awesome on defense, Piazza wasnt. KC has to think about taking him. Someday, this kid with Gordon, Butler and Dejesus would be a sweet middle of the order.

by Maxima231 on May 30, 2025 9:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also...

Mark Teixeira is another example.

by NewKidInTown on May 30, 2025 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think

I think McCann with more power

by JakeFree on May 30, 2025 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i think

mickey mantle's bat with ivan rodriguez's defensive skills and ty cobb's baserunning.

by jpahk on May 30, 2025 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus

In a pinch a team bring him in to pitch. His stuff is comparable to Doc Gooden.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on May 30, 2025 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

And he'll be able to close like Mariano. I also heard he's learning how to through a Knuckle Ball/Gyro Ball hybrid.

by benzalman on May 30, 2025 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wieters

I think Wieters ends up being 90% the offensive force of Brian McCann. Given the fact that half the teams in the majors throw hundreds of ABs at guys who can't hold McCann's jock strap I think that's very good. Catcher is the thinnest position in the bigs.

If there was a Delmon or Upton(either bro) in this draft that oozes tools and uber batting potential I'd take them over Wieters. But Vitters isn't the complete package. He's likely a LF type. If he ends up being Cuddyer or Burrell in 4 or 5 years he'll be a good pick for somebody. But I don't see why you'd pass a great combination of upside and safety in Wieters who'll be ready to be a franchise catcher in 2-3 years.

I can see the argument for going pitcher over Wieters. Can't see taking a different position player while he's still on the board.

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 30, 2025 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

upside and safety

just out of curiosity, what makes wieters a safe pick? isn't this what we all thought about jeff clement a couple years ago? not that clement is a bust, and i'm one of the people who thinks the mariners have mishandled him grossly, but there's not really such a thing as "safe" when it comes to a catcher.

by jpahk on May 30, 2025 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

re:

Clement had his struggles as an amateur failing to hit .300 two straight years at USC (even if the frosh year he did have plus power). His stint with Team USA wasn't that impressive either (.275 3hrs). I wasn't totally enamored with him but didn't think it was a bad pick either. I also really don't understand why the Mariners promoted him to AAA after just 59 ABs in AA.

Wieters has posted consistently strong seasons at GA Tech regardless of changes in his supporting cast. Elsewhere in this thread you can also see strong stats he posted in the Cape Cod wood bat league stats.

Besides, safe didn't mean 100% safe. It's all relative. I think he's got a good chance to achieve most of his upside given the combination of his tools, defensive reviews and production against top competition in the ACC and in the premier summer wood bat league.

I really don't see how anyone can say Vitters or Moustakas, etc.. is more likely to realize most of their upside than Wieters. So far the primary argument I've seen against Matt is that he's a tall catcher and I'm not buying a stereotype based argument. Stereotypes are the same reason Lincecum (small RHP) fell to 10th last year and people steered big athletes off SS for decades.

Piazza was 6'3". McCann is 6'3". Salty is 6'4". Mauer is 6'5". Buck is 6'3". I'm sure there are more...

sig: Karim Garcia posted dominant AAA stats at 19. So can we stop acting like ARL trumps all in every discussion...

by natsfan2005 on May 30, 2025 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pic of Wieters

Maybe its just be but that pic looks like Wieters is about ready to squash a little leaguer. The kid slidding in looks about 1/2 the size of Wieters!!

LOL!!

by kienast on May 30, 2025 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs