Best Catcher of the Decade?

[Francoeurstein]

2000-2009.

[steveironcity]

Ivan Rodriguez

[Francoeurstein]

I just put the poll up

[MarthaT]

voted for Posada

[ol' aches and pains]

Gotta be Rodriguez, if only because Mauer hasn't been there long enough. I wanted to vote for Posada, I really, really did, but I have to grudgingly give the edge to Rodriguez for his defense.

[Bennybosox]

Matt Wieters-- Best Ever

But seriously: No Jason Varitek?

[Honus Wagner Rules]

Matt Wieters-- Best Ever

Weiters is weak....as in last week! Bryce Harper is the "Da Man" now! :nod:

[bob]

Got to give this one to Pudge. Mauer only played his first full season in '05 (and that was a very average season). Mauer is IMO the best over the last 3-4 years, but take into account the whole decade he just doesnt have the counting numbers.

[baseball junkie]

Considering the number of times he's been injured, Posada has put together a fine decade. I still voted for Ivan "the Great" Rodriguez. He is, I think, the most complete catcher I've ever seen play the game.

It will be interesting to see how quickly McCann, Mauer, Martinez, Wieters and maybe eventually Harper are moved off the position to "extend" their careers.

It's interesting to see how guys who would have likely made the list five years ago like Paul Lo Duca and Jason Kendell have completely fallen off the radar. A flaw in these polls is the tendency to reflect the present at the expense of that stars already burnt out.

[Zagi-CRO]

So... I made a very detail 'investigation' through 2000-2009 about catchers.
I used my formula of 'Most Valuable Player' to estimate results for each year...

Here is the result for the Top3 Catchers per year:
1st place 3 points
2nd place 2 pts
3rd place 1 pts

2000
Mike Piazza Mets
Jason Kendall Pirates
Ivan Rodriguez Rangers
2001
Mike Piazza Mets
Paul Lo Duca Dodgers
Ivan Rodriguez Rangers
2002
Mike Piazza Mets
Paul Lo Duca Dodgers
Jorge Posada Yankees
2003
Javy Lopez Braves
Jorge Posada Yankees
Jason Kendall Pirates
2004
Victor Martinez Indians
Javy Lopez Orioles
Ivan Rodriguez Tigers
2005
Victor Martinez Indians
Jason Varitek Red Sox
Bengie Molina Angels
2006
Joe Mauer Twins
Brian McCann Braves
Victor Martinez Indians
2007
Victor Martinez Indians
Russell Martin Dodgers
Jorge Posada Yankees
2008
Joe Mauer Twins
Brian McCann Braves
Bengie Molina Giants




TOTAL
Victor Martinez 10 pts
Mike Piazza 9
Joe Mauer 6
Javy Lopez 5
Brian McCann 4
Paul Lo Duca 4
Jorge Posada 4
Jason Kendall 3
Ivan Rodriguez 3
Jason Varitek 2
Russell Martin 2
Bengie Molina 2



So, my vote goes to Victor Martinez!! He has an advantage from 2004.-2009. while Rodriguez has 2000.-2003. better period.

[gman5431]

I voted for Pudge also but definately considered going with Mauer.

G MAn

[NYMets523]

So, my vote goes to Victor Martinez!! He has an advantage from 2004.-2009. while Rodriguez has 2000.-2003. better period.

You definitely didn't factor in defense on that analysis if you came up with Victor Martinez as the best catcher.

[sturg1dj]

even though Victor has played the vast majority of his games at catcher and has only like 20 games at DH I never think of him as a catcher because for years watching Indians games they would talk about how he would eventually have to change positions. I know he has gotten better at throwing out runners, but for awhile he was historically bad.

but yeah, that is one that I forgot to list...he does deserve to be on it but I would prefer the top of the decade to be at least a decent fielder.

[Zagi-CRO]

You definitely didn't factor in defense on that analysis if you came up with Victor Martinez as the best catcher.

Yes. I agree. It was a bad choice /Martinez/.
Corrections - my vote for Rodriguez, at least.
I think my list could be as:

1. Ivan Rodriguez
2. Jorge Posada
3. Jason Kendall
4. Victor Martinez
5. Bengie Molina
Ramon Hernandez, Paul Lo Duca, Mike Piazza, A.J. Pierzynski, Javy Lopez, Jason Varitek etc.
McCann, Mauer, Martin have few years of the decade..

[KCGHOST]

To me this isa two horse race: Pudge and Posada. The other guys don't have enough playing time to match two guys who have played the whole decade.

I prefer Posada's offensive advantage to Pudge's defensive advantage.

[Zagi-CRO]

Ivan Rodriguez is the winner? :think: