"The Cubs are clearly not messing around with the long-term chance that Ballesteros could develop into at least a part-time catcher (and maybe even contribute occasionally as a third catcher this year). They want him getting as much real game action behind the plate - well, "real" - with big league Cubs on the mound as possible."
"The value difference between an everyday DH and a half-time DH/half-time catcher is enormous. The only way you'd choose the former over the latter is if (1) the catcher defense/game-calling/etc. was really bad, and (2) he can perform much better as a hitter if that is his sole focus."
"The Cubs don't have to make that decision on Moises Ballesteros yet, even as his bat is clearly ready for the big leagues. Instead, they will try to have their cake and eat it, too, incorporating Ballesteros as the semi-regular designated hitter this year while also trying to find times and opportunities to get him that development work behind the plate."
Moises Ballesteros arrived late to spring training due to visa issues, raising concerns about insufficient catching development time. However, the Cubs have addressed these worries by giving him substantial game action behind the plate throughout the Cactus League. Ballesteros is starting his sixth spring training game, with nearly all appearances at catcher. The organization recognizes the significant value difference between an everyday DH and a player who can contribute as both DH and catcher. Rather than focusing solely on maximizing his bat this season, the Cubs are strategically developing Ballesteros as a potential part-time or even third catcher while utilizing him as a semi-regular designated hitter, attempting to balance immediate offensive production with long-term positional flexibility.
#moises-ballesteros #catcher-development #spring-training #cubs-roster-strategy #positional-flexibility
Read at Bleacher Nation
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]