What do you look for in a catcher?

[rski70]

I am new to perfect game and tournaments in OOTB. I played versions of the game in 2014 and 2017 and just came back this year again. Lots to learn about perfect game and tournament play, but I am really struggling on what to do about catcher.

Is defense the most important attribute? Should you try to platoon the position? Are there some iron or bronze catchers that stand out? Any help or thoughts about what to look for in a catcher is appreciated!

[neugey]

Because of the fatigue level at catcher, especially in tournaments, you're best off thinking of the catcher spot as a two-man job. From there, opinions vary widely on how much to invest in catcher relative to the rest of your team. Also differing opinions on whether offense or defense is most important at catcher, and to what degree. My advice would be to not invest very much at catcher and just try some different cheap ones out until you have your own feelings on what you'd like to do at catcher. And welcome to the boards!

[Orion]

#1 Yes always platoon.
#2 See #1, It's generally better to have a LH hitting starter.
#3 Don't spend a lot of money on C, most often it's not worth it as the guy is getting a lot less AB. Exception is you can also DH a good hitting C, so that might come into play.
#4 I would generally recommend a good hitting LH C as your main starter, supplemented by a good defensive RH catcher. The RH will start vs LHP and you can set strategy to sub him in late in close games for max effect. That is partly personal preference and might not be best for your team.

Offhand Bob Boone is a good cheap RH defensive C, and maybe a guy like AJ Pierzynski from the LH side. A couple guys like that could last you a long time.

[Morug]

Platoon one good defensive catcher with a good offensive one. Presently a use Christian Vazquez and Bo Diaz in early level league.

Christian Vazquez (78) is a good cheap catcher 58 con, 56 power and 102 def.

[neugey]

Also, last season I developed an affinity for switch hitting catchers, got pretty good results from Keibert Ruiz and Ted Simmons. They seemed more consistent for me.

[rski70]

Great info everyone! Thank you.

I will need to look into some of the suggestions for my main perfect team and then look to see what I can find for iron tournaments. Looks like maybe Martin Maldanado may fit the bill as a RH defensive catcher there. Haven't found a lefty yet to pair with him, but will keep searching,

[Orion]

Originally Posted by neugey

Also, last season I developed an affinity for switch hitting catchers, got pretty good results from Keibert Ruiz and Ted Simmons. They seemed more consistent for me.

Ruiz was surprisingly good on my Dodgers theme team, I was pairing him with the most excellent SE Mike Scoscia card which rocked for the price. Later I was able to grab the super rare (Tourney prize) 95 SE Russell Martin and Ruiz was obsolete, but very good card for the price and rating. The engine generally likes switch hitters, when evaluating them keep in mind they will usually outperform a regular hitter with the same stats.

[neugey]

Originally Posted by Orion

Ruiz was surprisingly good on my Dodgers theme team, I was pairing him with the most excellent SE Mike Scoscia card which rocked for the price. Later I was able to grab the super rare (Tourney prize) 95 SE Russell Martin and Ruiz was obsolete, but very good card for the price and rating. The engine generally likes switch hitters, when evaluating them keep in mind they will usually outperform a regular hitter with the same stats.

Agree. In OOTP20 my Tim Raines had some bonkers seasons. As did Pete Rose, for a silver.

[Caedus]

Originally Posted by neugey

Agree. In OOTP20 my Tim Raines had some bonkers seasons. As did Pete Rose, for a silver.

That Tim Raines card was a stealth diamond. Over performed its stats big time. Hit consistently for me in Perfect year after year, and was a serious MVP candidate all the way up to and sometimes even in Diamond.

[Marleigh]

Originally Posted by Orion

Ruiz was surprisingly good on my Dodgers theme team, I was pairing him with the most excellent SE Mike Scoscia card which rocked for the price. Later I was able to grab the super rare (Tourney prize) 95 SE Russell Martin and Ruiz was obsolete, but very good card for the price and rating. The engine generally likes switch hitters, when evaluating them keep in mind they will usually outperform a regular hitter with the same stats.

Can confirm, my F2P Switch hitting team won a Perfect League title, Gregg Jefferies won 4 consecutive MVPs for them In silver, gold and diamond