Okay, I'm going to give some respect for Bengie. I would still have preferred to have the one- two catching act that 06 featured this season. The 2005 catching situation (Zaun until he was on his last leg, and then a black hole) sucked. It was way worse than any error or slowness (the dude is slow. Jose is slow. Yadier is slow. Bengie is slow. They come off the Molina Catching Farm that way) that occured. None of the pitchers seemed to have any problem with him. Bengie, from what I read in the summer, also helped Alex Rios in his breakout season. He provided more than his fair share of offense and I don't care about any exemption you people always put on his offensive feats. His almost cycle, featuring that fantastically hilarious triple, was great. Yes he was out of shape and he didn't throw enough runners out. Defense issues, etc. And he would have cost too much money. I never said he was perfect. But sheesh. Short memories. Suerte, Bengilina.
Great picture, btw, NFH. They look very warm (which is nice to see on a winter day) and Gibby is doing the classic baseball face- eye squint do to sun, something in cheek (chew?gum? seeds?a combo?), planning his next move. I wish they could somehow mic it (it's obvious why they don't), cause I would love to hear the conversation. Other than "candlesticks always make a nice gift."
Joanna, I'm also not sure why there seems to be so much negativity towards Bengie. Personally, I think he did a good job for us last season; my only bone to pick is with playing time. Molina got many more at-bats than did Zaun (433 to 290) despite being a somewhat worse offensive player (.254 EqA to Zaun's .271) AND defensive player (Zaun edged him in FRAR despite substantially less playing time). Of course, Bengie didn't make out the lineup cards, so you can't really knock him for any of that.
"Joanna, I'm also not sure why there seems to be so much negativity towards Bengie."
Or Eric. Players are human too, and just like us not so perfect. It seems some people can accept or at least live with the faults but others are pretty quick to not only judge but lay blame. yeah, in a perfect world we'd have Bench catching, Mathews at 3rd, Clemente in right but hey, as much as I want the Jays to win I also am a baseball fan and enjoyed watching the Bengie triple, the Hinske dives and Alex developing into the next superstar.... Oh, did I mention Alex. Guess thats where Clemente came to mind. :)
