Wieters is 0-7 with 4 Ks, 2 BB so far in AAA.
Zaun has 3 doubles in 14 at-bats, and is working well with the pitching-staff.
Some would use that as justification that there is ‘no reason to rush Wieters.’ I look at those numbers, and feel neither one matters.
The O’s made the right move by not bringing him up to start the season. Keeping him in the Minors until April 17th, so that they can gain Wieters under their control for a full-additional year was absolutely the right decision.
If he is not the starting Catcher in Boston April 17th though, it will be a mistake. I do not want to hear talk about wanting him to develop as a Catcher (every pitcher that throws to him, talks about his maturity and ability to call a game)… I do not want to hear about keeping him in the Minors until June for his Super 2 status… I do not want to hear about the ‘benefits’ of him seeing 200 AAA at-bats… I do not want to hear, “Zaun is playing well, and Wieters is struggling at Norfolk.” I do not want to hear they will not play him at Fenway April 17th, so that they can play him at home the following week.It made sense to gain the additional year of service-time, it makes no sense to keep your most talented player off the roster any longer than you have to. Getting Wieters a nearly full-season of Major League experience, is something you can accomplish this year.
Wieters – Turns 23, May 26th
In 2008 Wieters compiled the following stats:
Frederick – 69 Games, 229 at-bats, 8 doubles, 15 homers, 40 RBI, 44 walks, 47 k’s, 345 avg, 1.024 OPS
Bowie – 61 Games, 208 at-bats, 14 doubles, 12 homers, 51 RBI, 38 walks, 29 k’s, 365 avg, 1.085 OPS
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/playe…-wieters.shtml
Wieters 2009 Projected – 300 batting avg, 20 homers, 75 rbi, 850 OPS, 70 walks, 85 k’s, 25 doubles, 130 games, 520 at-bats
As the O’s play Tampa today, you can directly compare this situation to Evan Longoria. Longoria came up April 12th last year… while the expectations were that Tampa had improved, and everyone knew about their talented youth… the Rays were still coming off of a 2007 season where they won 66 games.
Friday night in Boston should be the Major League Debut for Matt Wieters.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.