Importance of catcher range

sori12 · 07-03-2004, 01:33 PM

I'm wondering, just how important is catcher range? I would tend to think the arm is most important for the position. Obviously, higher range would equal more balls blocked, but I don't notice a big difference between the best and worst catchers in balls blocked.

Chappy · 07-03-2004, 01:52 PM

I mainly look at arm strength and pb. Maybe it's just because I caught in little league, but I put those two traits ahead of even hitting (unless we're talking a HUGE difference in hitting) when deciding my starting backstop.

I only use range as a tie breaker when there are two players equal in other categories.

Dan Theman · 07-03-2004, 01:56 PM

I'm not so sure it has any impact on balls blocked ... although it should. I've often wondered the same, myself. Perhaps it has an impact on bunt attempts?

Edited to add the following - Chappy, speaking as an unelected representative of all former pitchers everywhere, so would we

07-03-2004, 01:33 PM	#1
sori12 Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 20	Importance of catcher range I'm wondering, just how important is catcher range? I would tend to think the arm is most important for the position. Obviously, higher range would equal more balls blocked, but I don't notice a big difference between the best and worst catchers in balls blocked.

07-03-2004, 01:52 PM	#2
Chappy Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 2,721	I mainly look at arm strength and pb. Maybe it's just because I caught in little league, but I put those two traits ahead of even hitting (unless we're talking a HUGE difference in hitting) when deciding my starting backstop. I only use range as a tie breaker when there are two players equal in other categories. __________________ NPBL - Pennsylvania Freedom AFBL - North Carolina Aviators MLB-Pro - Kansas City Royals