Mets 2013 Catcher(s)

[MetsFanatic19]

Realistically, I'd say it's going to be Thole and Martin. The Mets don't seem to want to keep Shoppach and I don't think that Olivo likes New York, so to make up for the power we'd let go with Shoppach, we're going to sign Martin for somewhat cheap, maybe around 3 million.

[Nymfan87]

Lol gtfo no way do they just give him up.

Well exactly. I wouldn't give up a real prospect or piece for him.

[YoungStuna28]

Eh I would. He's not great, but he's still a power-hitting catcher entering his prime.

[Gideon]

When we traded K-Rod to Milwaukee, we should have asked for Martin Maldonado in return. Who knows maybe we did and were rejected.

[YoungStuna28]

I think Francisco Pena can develop into a guy like Martin Maldonado, he's still just 23 years old. He plays great defense and focuses on game calling and helping his pitchers.

[Sick Of It All]

Ross will likely sign back with Atlanta.

[Vintage]

Chris Snyder had his option declined by the Astros so he will be a free agent as well.

[alexandre302]

i think francisco pena can develop into a guy like martin maldonado, he's still just 23 years old. He plays great defense and focuses on game calling and helping his pitchers.

+1

[YoungStuna28]

Yeah Pena and Maldonado are so incredibly similar, they both started their pro-careers at 17.

Maldonado at 22(mostly High-A): .201/.295/.257, 9.7% BB rate and 17.6% K rate with 46% CS rate
Pena at 22 in High-A and AA: .228/.302/.377, 9% BB rate and 18.1% K rate with 45% CS rate

So Pena was actually better than Maldonado at the same age, so it's not a stretch to believe that Pena can develop into a solid starting catcher. Catchers always seem to develop their offense later than other position players.

[Nymfan87]

Eh I would. He's not great, but he's still a power-hitting catcher entering his prime.

He's a young Rod Barajas. It's usable, but it's nothing special. What would you give up for him?

[Sick Of It All]

I honestly want no part of Shoppach, dude pretty much sucked as a Met.

[metswon69]

I don't hate Shoppach as a backup but he can't be the primary catcher like he is in the case of him splitting time with Thole.

[YoungStuna28]

He's a young Rod Barajas. It's usable, but it's nothing special. What would you give up for him?

Mejia or Familia and a minor piece maybe.

He has more raw power than Barajas.

[YoungStuna28]

I honestly want no part of Shoppach, dude pretty much sucked as a Met.

What do you think of my Pena/Maldonado comparison?

[Sick Of It All]

I dunno, similar numbers in the minors, but Maldonado broke out a bit at age 24(though that could of been PCL aided). Catchers do take a bit of time to mature and develop and Pena could obviously get better still.

The comparison is not far fetch. I still have hopes for Pena, but again am not holding my breath.