Nomination Ideas--CATCHER IMPROVEMENTS

I've spent a good bit of time looking at card options, both players with No Card and improvements for current players (I usually consider improvements either true improvement on a player who is poorly represented, or a player's card that is different from the way the player is currently represented in the set.)
The stats are run through Diamonddope in Veterans 1975 (10,10,10,10).

I'm still working on Pitchers, mainly waiting to finish info on whether SPs get the * or not.

1912 Jimmy Archer CHC Bats-R BAL-E C-1(-4)e14 INJ Risk-15
LH--2b- 5.8 3b-0.0 HR-1.8 BB-2 .317/.336/.422 OPS-.758
RH--2b- 5.7 3b-0.0 HR-1.8 BB-2 .311/.330/.415 OPS-.745
1911 Current Archer, Jimmy Bats-R BAL-1R c-1(-4)e2,T-11(pb-2) 1b-3e10 2b-4e30
LH--2b- 4.1 3b-0.2 HR-1.3 BB-0 .249/.256/.327 OPS-.583
RH--2b- 5.5 3b-1.2 HR-2.2 BB-0 .283/.290/.419 OPS-.709
Like Archer’s big arm, and the ’12 card better offensively.



1922 Bob O'Farrell CHC Bats-R BAL-1L C-2(+1)e8 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 3.8 3b-2.5 HR-0.8 BB-27 .413/.565/.553 OPS-1.117
RH--2b- 3.2 3b-2.0 HR-0.6 BB-27 .344/.514/.455 OPS-.969
1926 Current O'Farrell, Bob Bats-R BAL-E c-2(+1)e3,T-6(pb-2)
LH--2b- 6.4 3b-2.1 HR-1.9 BB-15 .329/.429/.507 OPS-.936
RH--2b- 6.2 3b-2.1 HR-1.9 BB-15 .324/.424/.499 OPS-.923
Lots of OBP and singles, though no speed.



1923 Muddy Ruel WAS Bats-R BAL-1L C-1(0)e8 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 5.3 3b-0.0 HR-0.0 BB-13 .400/.478/.456 OPS-.934
RH--2b- 4.8 3b-0.0 HR-0.0 BB-13 .369/.451/.420 OPS-.871
1924 Current Ruel, Muddy Bats-R BAL-1R c-1(-3)e3,T-14(pb-1)
LH--2b- 1.5 3b-0 HR-0 BB-12 .275/.376/.291 OPS-.667
RH--2b- 2.25 3b-0.15 HR-0 BB-16 .330/.448/.359 OPS-.807
Senators hero in ’24, scored winning run in Series. Better offensively here.




1924 Johnny Bassler DET Bats-R BAL-6R C-2(0)e3 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 0.6 3b-0.0 HR-0.0 BB-13 .153/.271/.160 OPS-.431
RH--2b- 5.2 3b-0.4 HR-0.6 BB-13 .449/.526/.533 OPS-1.059
1923 Current Bassler, Johnny Bats-L BAL-1R c-3(0)e2,T-5(pb-2)
LH--2b- 0.8 3b-0.15 HR-0 BB-25 .295/.465/.309 OPS-.774
RH--2b- 0.9 3b-0.15 HR-0 BB-25 .355/.511/.370 OPS-.881
Nice platoon split vs RHP, finished 5th in MVP Voting in 24.



1933 Mickey Cochrane PHA Bats-L BAL-1R C-1(-3)e3 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating) ADDED TO SET
LH--2b- 6.6 3b-0.3 HR-4.2 BB-31 .404/.581/.664 OPS-1.245 R
H--2b- 6.7 3b-0.5 HR-4.1 BB-31 .421/.593/.683 OPS-1.275
1931 Current Cochrane, Mickey Bats-L BAL-2R c-1(-3)e4,T-7(pb-2)
LH--2b- 5.95 3b-1.2 HR-4.8 BB-13 .377/.457/.617 OPS-1.074
RH--2b- 7.2 3b-1.25 HR-5.8 BB-13 .453/.524/.741 OPS-1.265
Two-time MVP led the league in OBP in 1933. A little more offensive balance than ’31 card.



1938 Ernie Lombardi CIN Bats-R BAL-1L C-2(-3)e4 15(2 Rating) ADDED TO SET
LH--2b- 5.9 3b-1.7 HR-4.7 BB-1 .493/.498/.712 OPS-1.210
RH--2b- 8.1 3b-0.0 HR-8.6 BB-7 .447/.482/.782 OPS-1.265
1940 Current Lombardi, Ernie Bats-R BAL-E c-2(0)e3,T-4(pb-1)
LH--2b- 6.4 3b-0 HR-7.2 BB-7 .401/.445/.681 OPS-1.126
RH--2b- 6.4 3b-0 HR-6.9 BB-7 .394/.439/.665 OPS-1.104
1938 is his MVP Season, would be his best card.



1948 Birdie Tebbetts BOS Bats-R BAL-1R C-1(-3)e3 INJ Risk-15(3 Rating)
LH--2b- 4.7 3b-0.3 HR-1.5 BB-17 .264/.387/.373 OPS-.759
RH--2b- 6.4 3b-0.0 HR-1.5 BB-11 .322/.397/.435 OPS-.832
1940 Current Tebbetts, Birdie Bats-R BAL-1L c-1(0)e12,T-13(pb-5)
LH--2b- 7.25 3b-0.9 HR-0.25 BB- 7 .345/.394/.443 OPS-.837
RH--2b- 6.55 3b-0.9 HR-0.2 BB-7 .319/.369/.409 OPS-.778
After a good career in Cleveland, finished up as Red Sox catcher for those good late 40’s teams.



1951 Yogi Berra NYY Bats-L BAL-5L C-1(-1)e3 INJ Risk-15 ADDED TO SET
LH--2b- 1.5 3b-0.0 HR-9.4 BB-9 .443/.495/.746 OPS- 1.241
RH--2b- 2.8 3b-0.6 HR-5.8 BB-0 .284/.290/.482 OPS- .772
1953 Yogi Berra NYY Bats-L BAL-2R C-1(-1)e5 INJ Risk-15
LH--2b- 0.2 3b-0.2 HR-6.0 BB-5 .350/.386/.532 OPS-.918
RH--2b- 7.0 3b-2.0 HR-10.4 BB-7 .339/.388/.761 OPS-1.148
1956 Current Berra, Yogi Bats-L BAL-E c-2(-2)e7,T-15(pb-2) lf-4(+2)e17 INJ Risk-
LH--2b- 7.3 3b-0.2 HR-9.7 BB-2 .367/.391/.721 OPS- 1.112
RH--2b- 6.4 3b-0 HR-9.5 BB-15 .370/.469/.754 OPS- 1.223
MVP in ’51, finished 2nd in MVP voting in ’53. 1951 is Definity different with that dominance vs LHP.



1953 Joe Astroth PHA Bats-R BAL-2R C-3(-2)e4 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 3.4 3b-0.0 HR-2.7 BB-8 .260/.329/.376 OPS-.704
RH--2b- 8.0 3b-1.4 HR-0.9 BB-10 .401/.468/.541 OPS-1.009
1952 Current Astroth, Joe Bats-R BAL-1L c-3(0)e2,T-4(pb-1)
LH--2b- 0.3 3b-0.45 HR-0 BB-4 .280/.313/.292 OPS-.605
RH--2b- 0.2 3b-0.45 HR-0 BB-4 .234/.270/.245 OPS-.515
Better card for Astroth, and post-war A’s stink at Catcher.



1955 Stan Lopata PHI Bats-R BAL-6L C-4(+1)e2, 1b-4e10 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 7.3 3b-1.0 HR-15.3 BB-22 .388/.519/1.035 OPS-1.553
RH--2b- 0.0 3b-1.1 HR-6.8 BB-23 .254/.420/.520 OPS-.940
1957 Current Lopata, Stan Bats-R BAL-4L c-4(+3)e3,T-12(pb-3)
LH--2b- 7.95 3b-0 HR-12.05 BB-12 .301/.385/.765 OPS-1.150
RH--2b- 3.65 3b-0.3 HR-4.8 BB-18 .190/.333/.398 OPS-.731
Check out this card vs LHP, very nice platoon option.




1963 Earl Battey MIN Bats-R BAL-E C-1(-3)e3 INJ Risk-15 ADDED TO SET
LH--2b- 3.9 3b-0.0 HR-3.6 BB-15 .358/.465/.521 OPS-.986
RH--2b- 2.1 3b-0.0 HR-7.5 BB-12 .339/.431/.603 OPS-1.034
1965 Current Battey, Earl Bats-R BAL-1L c-2(-3)e7,T-15(pb-5)
LH--2b- 13.6 3b-0.8 HR-1.5 BB-10 .351/.417/.554 OPS-.971
RH--2b- 3.45 3b-0.15 HR-1.25 BB-14 .334/.427/.415 OPS-.842
Finished 7th in MVP Voting in ’63. More power and OBP than our current cards.


1973 Thurman Munson NYY Bats-R BAL-4L C-1(-3)e4 INJ Risk-15 ADDED TO SET
LH—2b-9.2 3b-0.3 HR-8.8 BB-10 2 .410/.476/.787 OPS-1.263
RH—2b-4.2 3b-1.5 HR-4.1 BB-7 2 .290/.350/.487 OPS-.836
1975 Thurman Munson NYY Bats-R BAL-1R C-1(-3)e10, 1b-4e25, 3b-4e65,RF/LF-4(+2)e25 INJ Risk-3
LH—2b-3.9 3b-0.2 HR-1.1 BB-9 .345/.412/.424 OPS-.836
RH—2b-3.5 3b-0.4 HR-2.1 BB-0 .384/.396/.483 OPS-.878
1977 Current Munson, Thurman NYY Bats-R BAL-2R c-2(-1)e4,T-9(pb-3)
LH—2b-7.1 3b-1.6 HR-4 BB-4 .280/.313/.496 OPS-.809
RH—2b-3.3 3b-0.2 HR-5 BB-1 .389/.400/.565 OPS-.965
1970 Current Munson, Thurman NYY Bats-R BAL-2L c-2(-4)e6,T-7(pb-4)
LH—2b-8.4 3b-1 HR-2.2 BB-13 .408/.495/.592 OPS-1.087
RH—2b-3.8 3b-0.8 HR-0.8 13 .322/.422/.404 OPS-.826
1973 is better than 1970,1975 not much of an improvement


1975 Gene Tenace OAK Bats-R BAL-4L C-3(-1)e5, 1b-3e4 INJ Risk-3
LH--2b- 3.2 3b-0.0 HR-14.1 BB-25 .338/.522/.920 OPS-1.442
RH--2b- 1.2 3b-0.0 HR-6.0 BB-29 .233/.475/.493 OPS-.967
1973 Current Tenace, Gene Bats-R BAL-E 1b-4e18 / c-4(0)e2,T-5(pb-6) / 2b-5e41
LH--2b- 0 3b-1.6 HR-7 BB-32 .247/.498/.583 OPS-1.081
RH--2b- 2.95 3b-0 HR-6.3 BB-20 .279/.439/.537 OPS-.976
This Tenace is much better than our current one, especially vs LHP. Low injury situation as well.



1979 Joe Ferguson LA Bats-R BAL-4L C-4(0)e11, LF/RF-4(-2)e7 15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 3.2 3b-0.0 HR-11.1 BB-17 .362/.469/.767 OPS-1.236
RH--2b- 2.0 3b-0.0 HR-6.3 BB-29 .206/.426/.474 OPS-.900
1982 Current Ferguson, Joe Bats-R BAL-7L c-4(+2)e2,T-3(pb-2) rf-4(-2)e18
LH--2b- 0 3b-0 HR-6.3 BB-30 .340/.523/.582 OPS-1.105
RH--2b- 0 3b-0 HR-1.25 BB-9 .090/.166/.128 OPS-.294
Ferguson was Lefty masher, this one has more power than current one.


1987 Matt Nokes DET Bats-L BAL-5R C-4(+1)e1, 3b-4e37, LF/RF-4(+2)e16 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 0.0 3b-0.0 HR-5.5 BB-7 .163/.241/.332 OPS-.572
RH--2b- 1.8 3b-0.3 HR-10.5 BB-4 .346/.388/.682 OPS-1.070
1991 Current Nokes, Matt Bats-L BAL-E c-3(+2)e2,T-5(pb-3)
LH--2b- 0 3b-0 HR-10 BB-3 .267/.301/.559 OPS-.860
RH--2b- 6 3b-0 HR-7.5 BB-0 .274/.287/.542 OPS-.829
A little different than current card, hits RHP better.


1990 Pat Borders TOR Bats-R BAL-2L C-3(0)e4 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 11.9 3b-1.8 HR-7.4 BB-4 .296/.322/.657 OPS-.978
RH--2b- 5.4 3b-0.0 HR-3.6 BB-0 .330/.330/.480 OPS-.810
1993 Current Borders, Pat Bats-R BAL-1R c-3(0)e7,T-7(pb-0)
LH--2b- 8.15 3b-0 HR-0.75 BB-0 .224/.231/.321 OPS-.552
RH--2b- 6.95 3b-0 HR-1.25 BB-0 .257.264/.357 OPS-.621
This guy was a long-time catcher for the World Series-winning Jays, but you wouldn’t know it from that ’93 card. Better card here.



1996 Dan Wilson SEA Bats-R BAL-2R C-2(-2)e1 INJ Risk-15
LH--2b- 3.8 3b-0.0 HR-3.0 BB-2 .231/.252/.352 OPS-.605
RH--2b- 4.6 3b-0.0 HR-4.5 BB-3 .316/.341/.490 OPS-.831
2001 Current Wilson, Dan Bats-R BAL-2L c-2(-1)e1,T-1(pb-1) / 1b-4e25
LH--2b- 1.75 3b-0 HR-8.75 BB-0 .323/.329/.585 OPS-.914
RH--2b- 6.75 3b-0.3 HR-2.75 BB-5 .242/.284/.395 OPS-.679
A Dan Wilson more balanced toward RHP…….


1998 Javy Lopez ATL Bats-R BAL-1R C-3(0)e1 INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH--2b- 3.7 3b-1.3 HR-10.8 BB-1 .288/.314/.659 OPS-.973
RH--2b- 3.0 3b-0.0 HR-11.8 BB-4 .316/.361/.696 OPS-1.057
2003 Current Lopez, Javy Bats-R BAL-1L c-4(+1)e1,T-8(pb-0)
LH--2b- 10.7 3b-0 HR-17.8 BB-0 .399/.410/1.004 OPS-1.414
RH--2b- 5.85 3b-1.15 HR-15.75 BB-6 .394/.439/.948 OPS-1.387
A different Lopez option, would be cheaper, but better defense.




2003 Jorge Posada NYY Bats-S BAL-E C-3(0)e1 INJ Risk-15
LH--2b- 3.0 3b-0.0 HR-9.2 BB-17 .318/.450/.670 OPS-1.120
RH--2b- 3.0 3b-0.0 HR-7.8 BB-25 .289/.480/.622 OPS-1.102
2000 Current Posada, Jorge Bats-S BAL-1L c-2(-2)e1,T-8(pb-3) / 1b-4e21
LH--2b- 10.9 3b-0.6 HR-4 BB-14 .381/.479/.646 OPS-1.125
RH--2b- 4.75 3b-0 HR-8 BB-28 .279/.486/.652 OPS-1.138
Posada was pretty consistent, ’03 has a little more power, but not much different.

1973 or 1975 Munsons also deserving. Both 1's (which we don't have). 73 great vs lefty pitching.

1973 or 1975 Munsons also deserving. Both 1's (which we don't have). 73 great vs lefty pitching.

I like both of those 1(-3) Munson cards. Also the 1(-3) 1954 Yogi MVP season...

Though it's not an exhaustive list by any means, I tried to look at each player and determine if that player was already well-represented in ATG or not. Usually if I didn't include a player or a year, its because it was either similar to what we have, or maybe it was not unusual in any way.

When I finish my list of SP Improvements, I'll go back and study any recommendations made here, and if any look promising that I may have missed, I'll add them to the list.

1975 Carlton Fisk, Red Sox, C 2(-2)e7 T-11, Bats R .331 10 52 .395 .529 .923 Career high BA. Near career highs in OBP, SLG, OPS & OPS+. This is the season that Fisk hit the dramatic walk off World Series game 6 12th inning HR that he waved fair that we all watched growing up. 2 Inj rating, like most catchers. Probably a 4L or 5L. This Fisk card would provide managers with a lefty masher alternative to the other Fisk cards, which range from E to 4R.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WRi6iZAl-I


1983 Jody Davis, Cubs .271 24 84 .315 .480 .795 Career highs in H, HR, BA, SLG, OPS, OPS+ & TB. Long time Cubs catcher would be a big improvement over fan favorite Randy Hundley in the Post WWII & Expansion Era player set and would be a decent platoon partner with Rick Wilkins in franchise leagues.

http://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/832824/1680/1/80


1982 Terry Kennedy San Diego .295 21 97 .328 .486 .814. Career highs in HITS, DO (42!) HRs, SLG & OPS and just missed career highs in RBI and BA. In 1982 Kennedy actually hit lefties better than righties.

http://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/36332/1982/2/1982


1985 Rich Gedman C, Red Sox 5R .295 18 80 .362 .484. .846. Career highs in HITS, BA, DO, RBI & OPS. This is easily the best season for the longtime BoSox backstop. 1 ATG card

http://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/834244/1680/1/80

Andy,

Can you crunch the #'s on:

2006
Kenji Johjima
Seattle catcher

Thanks...

I wanna help SEA with C, and I do like your Wilson choice.
Just curious...

1975 Carlton Fisk, Red Sox, C 2(-2)e7 T-11, Bats R .331 10 52 .395 .529 .923 Career high BA. Near career highs in OBP, SLG, OPS & OPS+. This is the season that Fisk hit the dramatic walk off World Series game 6 12th inning HR that he waved fair that we all watched growing up. 2 Inj rating, like most catchers. Probably a 4L or 5L. This Fisk card would provide managers with a lefty masher alternative to the other Fisk cards, which range from E to 4R.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WRi6iZAl-I


1983 Jody Davis, Cubs .271 24 84 .315 .480 .795 Career highs in H, HR, BA, SLG, OPS, OPS+ & TB. Long time Cubs catcher would be a big improvement over fan favorite Randy Hundley in the Post WWII & Expansion Era player set and would be a decent platoon partner with Rick Wilkins in franchise leagues.

http://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/832824/1680/1/80


1982 Terry Kennedy San Diego .295 21 97 .328 .486 .814. Career highs in HITS, DO (42!) HRs, SLG & OPS and just missed career highs in RBI and BA. In 1982 Kennedy actually hit lefties better than righties.

http://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/36332/1982/2/1982


1985 Rich Gedman C, Red Sox 5R .295 18 80 .362 .484. .846. Career highs in HITS, BA, DO, RBI & OPS. This is easily the best season for the longtime BoSox backstop. 1 ATG card

http://365.strat-o-matic.com/player/834244/1680/1/80

Love Pudge, but he doesn't meet the PA minimums


1983 Jody Davis CHC Bats-R BAL-E INJ Risk-15(2 Rating)
LH—2b-4.5 3b-0.8 HR-5.8 BB-6 .297/.343/.529 OPS-.871
RH—2b-9.1 3b-0.0 HR-8.0 BB-2 .280/.300/.595 OPS-.895
1984 Current Davis, Jody Bats-R BAL-2L C-2(0)e6 INJ Risk-15
LH—2b-8.5 3b-2.2 HR-5.8 BB-7 .265/.313/.565 OPS-.878
RH—2b-3.5 3b-0 HR-4.6 BB-4 .240/.269/.407 OPS-.676
1986 Current Davis, Jody Bats-R BAL-3R C-1(-3)e3, 1b-4e25 INJ Risk-15
LH—2b-5.4 3b-0 HR-1.7 BB-4 .200/.229/.300 OPS-.529
RH—2b-5.6 3b-0.6 HR-6.0 BB-7 .261/.309/.505 OPS-.814

1982 Terry Kennedy SD Bats-L BAL-1L C-3(-2)e2, 1b-4e28 INJ Risk-15
LH—2b-14.6 3b-0.0 HR-4.6 BB-0 .373/.384/.639 OPS-1.023
RH—2b-9.0 3b-0.0 HR-7.5 BB-0 .311/.324/.608 OPS-.933
1985 Current Kennedy, Terry SD Bats-L BAL-1L C-3(0)e2, 1b-4e20 INJ Risk-15
LH—2b-7.1 3b-0 HR-2.2 BB-0 .269/.269/.395 OPS-.664
RH—2b-5.0 3b-0 HR-1.8 BB-0 .252/.252/.348 OPS-.600

1985 Rich Gedman BOS Bats-L Bal-5R C-3(-3)e10 INJ Risk-15
LH—2b-4.0 3b-0.5 HR-0.7 BB-6 .225/.275/.295 OPS-.571
RH—2b-7.9 3b-1.4 HR-6.6 BB-7 .360/.407/.665 OPS-1.072
1986 Current Gedman, Rich BOS Bats-L Bal-3R C-3(-3)e3 INJ Risk-15 (2 Rating)
LH—2b-2.7 3b-0 HR-7.1 BB-0 .121/.137/.347 OPS-.484
RH—2b-9.8 3b-0 HR-4.2 BB-2 .288/.314/.503 OPS-.817

Andy, as always, thanks for posting updated numbers. Based on all your hard work and service to the community, I think it would be fitting if you got to choose a number of cards to be determined between you and SOM.

I'm disappointed that 1975 Fisk doesn't meet the new card eligibility requirements, as he is one of the greatest catchers of all time and not some one year wonder with a limited sample size of 50 or 60 ABs who put up great numbers.

Anyway, I couldn't find a catchers with no card thread, so I'm posting one more catcher here:

2001 Paul Lo Duca, Dodgers, C, RHB. .320 25 90 .374 .543 .917. Career highs in BA, HR, RBI, OBP, SLG, TB, OPS & OPS+. 2(-1) e3, T-1-7 (pb-1). As a bonus, he is a respectable 3e14 at 1B. No ATG card

Andy, as always, thanks for posting updated numbers. Based on all your hard work and service to the community, I think it would be fitting if you got to choose a number of cards to be determined between you and SOM.

I'm disappointed that 1975 Fisk doesn't meet the new card eligibility requirements, as he is one of the greatest catchers of all time and not some one year wonder with a limited sample size of 50 or 60 ABs who put up great numbers.

Anyway, I couldn't find a catchers with no card thread, so I'm posting one more catcher here:

2001 Paul Lo Duca, Dodgers, C, RHB. .320 25 90 .374 .543 .917. Career highs in BA, HR, RBI, OBP, SLG, TB, OPS & OPS+. 2(-1) e3, T-1-7 (pb-1). As a bonus, he is a respectable 3e14 at 1B. No ATG card

Lo Duca is in HITTERS WITH NO CARDS