Put Blackwood in! who's with me?

[BrenBlackwood]

I know Blackwood is an excellent catcher and i so badly want to see him in a game in Winston-Salem. He made it into two games in Birmingham, one of which he was the starting catcher. I don't think putting him in could harm the team in the least.

[JorgeFabregas]

Finally someone to stick up for Chris Blackwood. If anyone needs a champion, it's an NDFA who OPSed <.600 in rookie league.>

 

Is he a friend of yours? What's the scouting report on this guy--is he a defensive specialist?

[NorthSideSox72]

Finally someone to stick up for Chris Blackwood. If anyone needs a champion, it's an NDFA who OPSed <.600 in rookie league.>

 

Is he a friend of yours? What's the scouting report on this guy--is he a defensive specialist?

He's organizational filler. The only way he gets a starting gig is if multiple front-line catchers in low or high A ball get injured (Phegley was one, but it would take a couple more).

 

From what little I've read, defense is his gig.

 

[BrenBlackwood]

He's organizational filler. The only way he gets a starting gig is if multiple front-line catchers in low or high A ball get injured (Phegley was one, but it would take a couple more).

 

From what little I've read, defense is his gig.

 

 

If you want to talk offensively look at the stats from the 2009 GF season. Blackwood had 35 less AB's than Dubler, 2 fewer doubles, 4 fewer RBI's, 3 homeruns compared to Dublers 0, Dubler had 1 triple where Blackwood had none ...granted, Blackwood only had 2 less strikeouts than Dubler, but overall he's not horrible in offense. "Defense is his gig" you say?! As a catcher, is that not what's most important? This is Blackwood's second season pro, first full season ..he's 22 and has already played in 2 AA games, which made him the youngest playing catcher in AA this year. He was signed as a free agent and has to work harder to get to where he wants to be, but obviously he's doing something the organization likes because they could have moved Dubler or Gonzalez up to W-S, but opted for Blackwood. Now i don't want anyone to feel like i'm trying to take anything from Dubler, Gonzalez or any other catcher in the organization, but i like to see credit given where credit is due. I saw Dubler, Gonzalez, Larson and Blackwood all play in spring training ..i also saw Blackwood throw to 1st and 2nd base from his knees and Gonzalez ask him how he learned how to do it!! Larson has since been released, Dubler and Gonzalez both to Kannapolis, and Blackwood ...well, he's been bouncing around from team to team!! I liked all the guys and was sad to see Larson go, but that's baseball. There's a plan for all these guys and i wish them ALL the best of luck!

 

 

 

DUBLER:

2009 Season:

Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS

GRF PIO .223 42 121 19 27 7 1 0 11 36 18 35 4 1 .336 .298 .633

Minors .223 42 121 19 27 7 1 0 11 36 18 35 4 1 .336 .298 .633

 

BLACKWOOD:

2009 Season:

Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS

GRF PIO .198 24 86 13 17 5 0 3 7 31 2 33 4 1 .222 .360 .583

Minors .198 24 86 13 17 5 0 3 7 31 2 33 4 1 .222 .360 .583

 

 

[Chisoxfn]

I like the enthusiasm and appreciate the information girlslikebaseball. Welcome aboard!!!

[SoxAce]

I like the enthusiasm and appreciate the information girlslikebaseball. Welcome aboard!!!

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^

[BrenBlackwood]

Finally someone to stick up for Chris Blackwood. If anyone needs a champion, it's an NDFA who OPSed <.600 in rookie league.>

 

Is he a friend of yours? What's the scouting report on this guy--is he a defensive specialist?

 

 

haha it's Chase Blackwood and yes i know him.

[BrenBlackwood]

I like the enthusiasm and appreciate the information girlslikebaseball. Welcome aboard!!!

 

 

Thank you and you're very welcome.

 

 

[NorthSideSox72]

If you want to talk offensively look at the stats from the 2009 GF season. Blackwood had 35 less AB's than Dubler, 2 fewer doubles, 4 fewer RBI's, 3 homeruns compared to Dublers 0, Dubler had 1 triple where Blackwood had none ...granted, Blackwood only had 2 less strikeouts than Dubler, but overall he's not horrible in offense. "Defense is his gig" you say?! As a catcher, is that not what's most important? This is Blackwood's second season pro, first full season ..he's 22 and has already played in 2 AA games, which made him the youngest playing catcher in AA this year. He was signed as a free agent and has to work harder to get to where he wants to be, but obviously he's doing something the organization likes because they could have moved Dubler or Gonzalez up to W-S, but opted for Blackwood. Now i don't want anyone to feel like i'm trying to take anything from Dubler, Gonzalez or any other catcher in the organization, but i like to see credit given where credit is due. I saw Dubler, Gonzalez, Larson and Blackwood all play in spring training ..i also saw Blackwood throw to 1st and 2nd base from his knees and Gonzalez ask him how he learned how to do it!! Larson has since been released, Dubler and Gonzalez both to Kannapolis, and Blackwood ...well, he's been bouncing around from team to team!! I liked all the guys and was sad to see Larson go, but that's baseball. There's a plan for all these guys and i wish them ALL the best of luck!

 

 

 

DUBLER:

2009 Season:

Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS

GRF PIO .223 42 121 19 27 7 1 0 11 36 18 35 4 1 .336 .298 .633

Minors .223 42 121 19 27 7 1 0 11 36 18 35 4 1 .336 .298 .633

 

BLACKWOOD:

2009 Season:

Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS

GRF PIO .198 24 86 13 17 5 0 3 7 31 2 33 4 1 .222 .360 .583

Minors .198 24 86 13 17 5 0 3 7 31 2 33 4 1 .222 .360 .583

I like the analysis, nicely done.

 

Keep in mind that Chase played a bit below Dubler statistically, but Dubler has been a pretty big disappointment thus far. Also, Blackwood was moved up because he's a backup C - the organization will be less likely to promote guys like Gonzalez or even Dubler to a backup role, when they can get more game time at the level they want them to be at.

 

And yes, defense and pitcher handling are very important for catchers, no doubt about it. Blackwood may some day get his shot, but right now, its a long shot. That's all I was saying. Hopefully they all do well.

 

 

 

[BrenBlackwood]

I like the analysis, nicely done.

 

Keep in mind that Chase played a bit below Dubler statistically, but Dubler has been a pretty big disappointment thus far. Also, Blackwood was moved up because he's a backup C - the organization will be less likely to promote guys like Gonzalez or even Dubler to a backup role, when they can get more game time at the level they want them to be at.

 

And yes, defense and pitcher handling are very important for catchers, no doubt about it. Blackwood may some day get his shot, but right now, its a long shot. That's all I was saying. Hopefully they all do well.

 

 

Everything has been a long shot for Blackwood up to this point, but he's hanging in there and the managers, coaches and other players love him. He is the preferred catcher as far as the pitchers are concerned.

 

Like i said, Blackwood was signed as a free agent, but none of the guys he plays with ever believe him when he tells them that. Basically he slipped through the cracks during the draft and has to work harder because of it.

 

Dubler had to move up to Kanny or be released, they have too much money invested in him to let him go so easily, so VIOLA ..he's in Kannapolis!!

[danman31]

Blackwood might get more time in rookie ball this year. It all depends on the draft and how many high profile catchers are going to be in rookie ball.

[NorthSideSox72]

Blackwood might get more time in rookie ball this year. It all depends on the draft and how many high profile catchers are going to be in rookie ball.

That's a good point - if the Sox don't draft a lot of catchers and sign them in time, Blackwood could see a lot of PT in GF or Bristol.

 

But if Gonzalez continues to struggle, you may see him go to GF.

 

[JPN366]

I like the enthusiasm and appreciate the information girlslikebaseball. Welcome aboard!!!

 

She's in Cali, Jason.

[JPN366]

I know Blackwood is an excellent catcher and i so badly want to see him in a game in Winston-Salem. He made it into two games in Birmingham, one of which he was the starting catcher. I don't think putting him in could harm the team in the least.

 

I second the notion. Don't know why McEwing's lineup is so hard to crack. I just think utility man Luis Sierra would serve the team better as a utility man instead of in a catching platoon with Jason Bour.

[Chisoxfn]

What's that have to do with the price of rice in china?! lol

 

Blackwood has already been told he will see a lot of playing time in GF.

I think because I also live out in Cali. Not sure though.

[BrenBlackwood]

I think because I also live out in Cali. Not sure though.

 

 

LOL!

 

We Californians need to stick together!!!

 

[BrenBlackwood]

I second the notion. Don't know why McEwing's lineup is so hard to crack. I just think utility man Luis Sierra would serve the team better as a utility man instead of in a catching platoon with Jason Bour.

 

 

 

 

The lineup isn't really McEwings decision. It's all up to Buddy Bell. I'm staying positive for Blackwood though and appreciate all of you who are here for the support of Blackwood as well ..to any naysayers ..we need you too, that's where the fire comes from, so keep it up!!!

[BrenBlackwood]

Blackwood starts in tonight's game. Winston-Salem Dash vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Game number two of a double header.

[GoodAsGould]

Blackwood starts in tonight's game. Winston-Salem Dash vs. Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Game number two of a double header.

 

You sure are his biggest fan lol, how did he get so lucky?

[BrenBlackwood]

You sure are his biggest fan lol, how did he get so lucky?

 

 

 

I'm probably not his biggest fan!!

 

I bet his mother is his biggest fan ..i do like him an awful lot though!!

[JPN366]

4 K's, ouch.

[BrenBlackwood]

No kidding ..I bet he's PISSED!!! haha

[BrenBlackwood]

4 K's, ouch.

 

 

finally he hits something!! haha

[knightni]

I hope that he succeeds; but unfortunately, he's not showing much so far.

[BrenBlackwood]

I hope that he succeeds; but unfortunately, he's not showing much so far.

 

 

Not offensively, i know.

 

He obviously needs to get that bat moving ..he'll get better, his season has barely even begun.