Monday Notes

BP:

While Arencibia has all of the tools to be a good defender, he isn’t one yet, as his receiving skills can get sloppy, and his arm strength is mitigated by a slow release.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=12746

BA:

Arencibia’s defense remains his biggest sore point. He improved his blocking and receiving skills, but they’re still just average at best. His 13 passed balls ranked second in the league, and PCL observers criticized him for getting lackadaisical behind the plate. His arm strength is average, but he threw out just 23 percent of basestealers for the 51s.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2010/2610785.html

His defense also is in question. He has solid arm strength but threw out just 23 percent of PCL basestealers. His receiving and blocking skills are improving though just average at best, and he can get lackadaisical at times. He has below-average speed but isn’t terrible for a catcher.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2011/2610894.html

And Napoli is easily twice the hitter. Don’t be fooled by Arencibia playing in Las Vegas the last two years. Its very, very easy to hit there. Arencibia has major flaws in his offensive game. The only plus element of his game is power, and I question how much of that he can bring to games with his atrocious approach and mediocre hit tool.

Also, Napoli, while a bad catcher, isn’t quite the hack he’s made out to be. He’s no worse than a number of other starting catchers around baseball. Mike Scioscia is just a friggin lunatic.

Honestly, playing Arencibia over Napoli at Catcher could cost the team something like 2+ wins IMO. They should be able to mix and match some, but they have Jose Molina on board. Arencibia needs to play to get better… should be at AAA, IMO.