Why are catchers always first rated upon their batting statistics? I read a post on Bleacher Report about V-Mart a while back, and the author immediately recited his batting statistics, but made did not mention his defensive skills, nullifying stolen base attempts and game calling skills until much later in his post. To the author’s credit, he finally did later mention Martinez’s loyalty to his employer, clubhouse acceptance and respect.
Martinez is making an on-the-field case for why he should get a new contract from the Sox. After a thumb injury sidelined him for almost a month, an offensive surge over the last two months has shown why he’s so valuable. In August, Martinez hit .298 with 4 HR and 15 RBI. In September, his numbers have been even better: a .324 average, 6 HR, 23 RBI, and a .941 OPS.
He makes no mention of his other assets until halfway through his post.
Jason Varitek may not be bound for the Hall of Fame, but he should. The first thing that will be looked at will be his batting statistics. Any other position player with a similar set of stats would never be elected in. Factors such as his quiet but strong clubhouse leadership, that ‘C’ on his jersey, and his game calling skills carry much less weight. ‘Tek prepares himself for a game unlike any other catcher. He does his homework, and knows what pitch to call for every batter in every situation. He has to have at least 2T of memory!
He’s also called and caught 4 no-hitters, more than any other catcher in baseball history. ‘Tek may not make it to the HoF, but he should. I hope that those voting come the time that ‘Tek is knocking on that vaulted door, that they will consider all of his stats equally, and not just his batting average.
Let’s not forget the 2004 season’s turning point.
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