Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

[saturn2187]

Hello.


I am playing in a Franchise, I have Salvador Perez as my Catcher. He's a good hitter, putting up 27 HR and 73 RBI through 145 games. I have Travis D'Arnaud (86 Potential) in my minors, and I would also consider acquiring Austin Hedges (90 Potential). However, one thing stops me.


These guys get their high overall rating due to their great defense. But, I play Quick Counts so the number of steal attempts against me is automatically going to be fewer. Not to mention it doesn't really seem like the catchers "Fielding" Attribute does much, if anything?? I also suspect I could put a position player out there and be fine.


Which leads me to question--- is there any way to track Baserunner thrown out % ?? I don't see that stat or passed balls anywhere. Seems like those are important numbers if trying to come up with a Catcher's defensive value?

Thoughts? How much importance to you give Catchers defense?

[seanjeezy]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

The fielding rating has an effect on the number of passed balls, the blocking rating affects the number of wild pitches. The latter is pretty important if like to throw a lot of chase pitches.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

It does have an effect. I have had poor defensive catchers and it shows. Hoping they add pitch framing this year to really differentiate the great from the mere average.

[HouseKeepinItReal]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

I 'think' reaction, in addition to how quickly the catch marker appears, also effects how quickly they get rid of the ball? not sure though...

[justice2328]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

It does have an effect. I have had poor defensive catchers and it shows. Hoping they add pitch framing this year to really differentiate the great from the mere average.

I like this idea. Incorporating this with the varied strike zones of the blue men (ie. getting more of the close strike calls for better catchers like lucroy,etc....) would be a great addition to the game....

[TattooedEvil]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

I really hope they add "game calling" to their ratings...2K used to have it and it would be so awesome these days with all the different ways the cpu can adapt and learn. If I'm rolling along with a 4 seam and 12-6 all game but cant throw my circle change for a strike y in the world would I want to see that pitch recommended by my catcher? waste pitch, maybe. But game calling hopefully will find its way in

[rongcaieg]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

good,Hoping they add pitch framing this year to really differentiate the great from the mere average.thanks

[Ghost Of The Year]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

What stat would be potentially used for pitch framing?
RerC?

[redsox4evur]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

What stat would be potentially used for pitch framing?
RerC?

they could go FRM, PF, or something of the like

[@legendm0de]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

There's definitely a presence in the game for defensive catcher ratings. It's evident in things like wild pitches, passed balls of course, throwing ability, fielding throws. Put a left fielder in a catcher position you probably will notice a ton of problems before you finish 1 inning. However it does need to be an area that is strengthened.

The animations for the catcher position are the poorest ones in the whole game and always have been. This makes it difficult to distinguish the athleticism and defensive capability of one catcher vs others. The movements and actions of the catcher position are so 1 dimensional, it makes the differences between them subtle. Unlike fielders, where speed and athleticism and throwing ability can more easily be noticed.

Game calling would be welcomed, but I'm not sure how exactly they would specifically apply that. I always play with the catcher suggesting my pitches, and the main thing I would suggest first is the ability to shake off a call and receive another suggestion. And perhaps some strategical game calling ideas during mound visits or maybe even pregame during the main menus. For example, "we're going to try and pitch Arod inside today".

[Gagnon39]

Re: Are Catcher Defensive Ratings pointless?

I wish they'd add not only pitch framing but different skill levels (attributes) for calling games.