Venom Strikes » John Buck

MLB Network’s Top Ten Then and Now: (Catchers)

J. Levi Burnfin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:50:44 +0000

Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

At the beginning of the 2011 season, the MLB Network released their top-10 ranking of all MLB catchers and how it turned out is below:

MLB Networks 2011 Rankings: Catchers:

Joe Mauer
Buster Posey
Brian McCann
Victor Martinez
Yadier Molina
Carlos Santana
Carlos Ruiz
John Buck
Kurt Suzuki
Matt Wieters

Looking forward to this year, the top five would actually stay close to the same with only some slotting issues (to be discussed later) and the elimination of Victor Martinez because of injury and the lack of playing time at Catcher. But there are a couple of additions to this list that are drastically needed, including the D-backs own Miguel Montero.

I’ll start from the top and say that Mauer is still fantastic but after last year’s injuries and the continued success of Brian McCann, McCann has to take the top spot. McCann is entering his age 28 season and has had four straight seasons of .800 OPS or above while never playing less than 128 games in the last four seasons. That should put Mauer second and Posey third with the elimination of Victor Martinez from the list. And there is a strong argument to be made for Yadier Molina being above Posey given his defensive acumen. However, those four are definitely a tier of their own because there is a pretty big drop off to number five.

(more…)

Two Cents on Brian Sabean’s Comments About Buster Posey Injury

Scott Allen — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:12:51 +0000


It seems the San Francisco Giants have themselves a distraction, as their general manager Brian Sabean gave the Giants an out should they blow the division lead and give it to someone say like the Arizona Diamondbacks.  We all know what happened just under two weeks ago when Giants catcher Buster  Posey was barreled over by Florida Marlins rookie outfielder Scott  Cousins at home plate, thus injuring Posey and ending his season.  Some people, namely Sabean, just couldn't keep their comments to themselves and it is unfortunate.

(more...)

Cardiac Dbacks Complete 17th Comeback Win of Season

Scott Allen — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:13:15 +0000


The Arizona Diamondbacks now have 31 wins after a come from behind victory over the Florida Marlins this evening 6-5.  It was the 17th time this season the Dbacks have had a come from behind victory.  I only have one question.  How about those Dbacks?

(more...)