Flowers' Defense

[GAsoxfan]

I've heard a lot of people say that Flowers' defense is so bad he may have to switch positions, but I've never heard specific things mentioned. I'm trying to understand what exactly does he struggle with? Is he not good at blocking balls in the dirt? Does he not have a great arm? Does he not frame pitches well?

I'm hoping some more knowledgeable posters can help me out here.

[JohnTucker0814]

He's thrown out 30% of basestealers the past 2 years... in comparison to the top prospects right now at his position:

Carlos Santana (cle) 27%, 23%, 40%, 41%
Matt Wieters (bal) 40%, 45%, 32%, 19%
Buster Posey (sf) 25%, 36%
Jesus Montero (nyy) 25%, 17%

I'm sure I'm missing a prospect in here, but off the top of my head these are the only other 4 I can think of...

Also...

A.J. Pierzynski (chw) averaged in the minors around 30%... a low of 22% and a high of 40%... in the majors since with the Sox 23%, 22%, 24%, 18% & 6%

Just thought you guys would like that info...

[CashMan]

Originally Posted by JohnTucker0814

He's thrown out 30% of basestealers the past 2 years... in comparison to the top prospects right now at his position:

Carlos Santana (cle) 27%, 23%, 40%, 41%
Matt Wieters (bal) 40%, 45%, 32%, 19%
Buster Posey (sf) 25%, 36%
Jesus Montero (nyy) 25%, 17%

I'm sure I'm missing a prospect in here, but off the top of my head these are the only other 4 I can think of...

Also...

A.J. Pierzynski (chw) averaged in the minors around 30%... a low of 22% and a high of 40%... in the majors since with the Sox 23%, 22%, 24%, 18% & 6%

Just thought you guys would like that info...

If his bat is ready, and the Sox are out of it, I would not mind seeing him behind the plate this year. If that means trading AJ or platooning him, have at it.

[DirtySox]

I wouldn't hold my breath. Hahn thinks Flowers ETA is 2011.

[CashMan]

Originally Posted by DirtySox

I wouldn't hold my breath. Hahn thinks Flowers ETA is 2011.

Didn't it say 2011 was a conservative approach? If so, I would expect sometime next year then.

[DirtySox]

Yep. But even if he is ready sometime in 2010, I don't see him behind the plate with the Sox this year. Wouldn't serve much purpose.

[doublem23]

Originally Posted by DirtySox

Yep. But even if he is ready sometime in 2010, I don't see him behind the plate with the Sox this year. Wouldn't serve much purpose.

Yeah, I don't see how sitting on the bench 1/2 the time (at best) will help this guy develop.

AJ's a free agent after 2010. Then its Flowers time.

[Frater Perdurabo]

Originally Posted by doublem23

AJ's a free agent after 2010. Then its Flowers time.

I'd keep AJ around to mentor Flowers, although AJ may not like that role. Perhaps the Sox could use DH Flowers often like the Twins do with Mauer, to give AJ more starts behind the plate to keep him happy and thus keep him around.

[Daver]

Originally Posted by JohnTucker0814

He's thrown out 30% of basestealers the past 2 years... in comparison to the top prospects right now at his position:

Carlos Santana (cle) 27%, 23%, 40%, 41%
Matt Wieters (bal) 40%, 45%, 32%, 19%
Buster Posey (sf) 25%, 36%
Jesus Montero (nyy) 25%, 17%

I'm sure I'm missing a prospect in here, but off the top of my head these are the only other 4 I can think of...

Also...

A.J. Pierzynski (chw) averaged in the minors around 30%... a low of 22% and a high of 40%... in the majors since with the Sox 23%, 22%, 24%, 18% & 6%

Just thought you guys would like that info...

This speaks volumes on why wearing the tools is becoming a lost art in the quest for offensive production. Anything lower than 50% should be a failing grade.

[WhiteSox5187]

Originally Posted by Daver

This speaks volumes on why wearing the tools is becoming a lost art in the quest for offensive production. Anything lower than 50% should be a failing grade.

Wow. Fisk only threw out 34% of base runners in his career and only threw out more than 50% once and that was only in 14 games