Caratini’s Quietly Excellent Bat, Cubs Contact Rates, Executive Movements, and Other Cubs Bullets

Nov 11, 2019

I’ve been teaching the big kids chess, which is a lot of fun, especially because I can toy with them for learning purposes, but then totally pwn them when I’m ready to finish the game.

I’ve had Victor Caratini on the brain a bit given the Willson Contreras rumors, and I was curious in hindsight how his results in 2019 at the plate aligned with his expected performance based on walks, strikeouts, and quality of contact. Turns out, it was nearly identical (.338 wOBA, .335 xwOBA). So, basically, he earned his .266/.348/.447 slash line, good for a 108 wRC+. And, just for comparison sake, his .335 xwOBA was a point better than Javy Baez, 13 points better than David Bote, and only 7 points lower than Willson Contreras.

Another way to contextualize Caratini’s offensive performance (he was considered a solid plus defensively, by the way): his 108 wRC+ was 9th best in baseball among catchers with at least 250 plate appearances, tied with JT Realmuto. The league average wRC+ for a catcher in 2019? Just 85.

I’m not offering this stuff as a thinly-veiled attempt to push for a Contreras trade, because it would be a foolish bet to say that, given a full load, Caratini would replace or surpass Contreras’s bat. But could they be close in total value, when considering defense and framing? Maybe so. Maybe not. Still not entirely my point. Instead, I guess I just don’t want to sleep on how good Caratini was in 2019, and also remind folks that he was always projected to hit decently well in the big leagues – the questions were about the glove. He was considered a top ten catching prospect in baseball in 2018.

Oh, one more thing, since it seems to be the vogue consideration for the Cubs right now: Caratini sported a 78.8% contact rate in 2019, better than the league average mark of 76.2%. Among Cubs regulars, the team had just three batters with a better-than-average contact rate: Anthony Rizzo (82.0%), Jason Heyward (79.7%), and Albert Almora (77.5%). Ben Zobrist, Nico Hoerner, Tony Kemp, and Jonathan Lucroy also managed the feat in limited duty. But everyone else was below average, and some were waaaaaaaay below average. Contreras, Baez, and Bote were all below 70%. Contact rate, in isolation, is absolutely not the end-all be-all of offensive performance, but if you want to diversify your lineup (remember the bananas?), you need to have more different kinds of hitters. The Cubs just haven’t.

MacBook Airs, shavers, kitchen appliances, and more are your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad

While the Cubs lost their AGM Scott Harris to the Giants this weekend, the Brewers may have a top AGM (Matt Arnold) heading to the Pirates – Arnold is reportedly a finalist for that job, together with Ben Cherington.

In other executive news, Andrew Friedman still doesn’t have his new contract done with the Dodgers, though it’s still expected to get done. He figures to be among the top-paid execs in baseball, perhaps surpassing Theo Epstein’s $10 million-per-year deal with the Cubs.

This is just a gorgeous chart for a young catcher – exactly what you’d want the development to look like on the power side:

Miguel Amaya’s SLG went from 403 in 2018 to 402 in 2019. From 12 homers to 11. Not a lot of power added, you might say. ISO went from 147 to 167, at least a sign of progress. But courtesy @MinorGraphs, we see a far more exciting story. Amaya consistently hitting the ball farther. pic.twitter.com/BJv2MAYLxr
— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) November 11, 2019

You are also reminded that, for years, the ball simply doesn’t carry well at Myrtle Beach. My guess is if he did the same thing at AA (much less the juiced PCL of last year), he would have hit for much more power results. Goodness golly I remain so very high on Amaya.

It is very snowy at Wrigley Field:

too soon pic.twitter.com/sfmk1eQDhO

— Wrigley Field (@WrigleyBlog) November 11, 2019

The Bears hadn’t won in over a month (yikes), so our friends did a special deal to celebrate – ends tonight:

BEARS WIN! Every bears shirt and sweatshirt is $10 off for 24-hours with code BEARSWIN at checkout! Always Free shipping & Free returns! https://t.co/tN24g6VQBn @obvious_shirts pic.twitter.com/Au26MjfvoC
— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) November 10, 2019

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: (Almost) All the Righties!

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Mariners vs. Rockies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Seattle Mariners (9-10) will put their three-game win streak to the test when they visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) Friday at 8:40 PM ET on ROOT Sports NW. Sportsbooks consider the Mariners -139 favorites to extend their streak, while...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Padres vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The San Diego Padres (11-10) host the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) on Friday to kick off a three-game series at PETCO Park. The matchup starts at 9:40 PM ET.The Padres will give the nod to Matt Waldron (0-1, 3.14 ERA),...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Giants vs. Diamondbacks Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The San Francisco Giants (9-11) face the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) at home at 10:15 PM ET on Friday.The Giants will look to Blake Snell (0-2) against the Diamondbacks and Jordan Montgomery.Giants vs. Diamondbacks Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday, April...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Dodgers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

The New York Mets (10-8) bring a four-game winning streak into a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Dodgers will send Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-1) to the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Alex Caruso Expects to Play Against Miami

Alex Caruso could be missing a foot and would probably still suit up for a do-or-die game. The Chicago Bulls' defensive anchor told ESPN's Jamal Collier that he expects to play in tonight's Play-In Tournament game against the Miami Heat....

Elias Schuster

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Brewers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

Willson Contreras will look to extend his 11-game hitting streak when the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) take on the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6). The Brewers are listed as -118 favorites on the moneyline for the contest, which starts at 8:15 PM...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

Two of the league's top power hitters meet Friday when the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) and Kansas City Royals (12-7) take the field at 7:40 PM ET, live on BSKC. Gunnar Henderson has six home runs for the Orioles (-138 favorites...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Twins vs. Tigers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

One team will end a losing skid when the 6-11 Minnesota Twins (four-game losing streak) and the 10-9 Detroit Tigers (two-game losing streak) meet Friday at 8:10 PM ET. The Twins have been set as -151 favorites by sportsbooks for...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Coby White Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – Friday, April 19, 2024

On Friday at 7:00 PM ET, the Chicago Bulls meet the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and Coby White's 3-pointer prop for this clash requires three trifectas.Coby White's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HeatCoby White's over/under for three-pointers...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Nikola Vucevic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – Friday, April 19, 2024

Nikola Vucevic's Chicago Bulls face the Miami Heat on Friday at 7:00 PM ET in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and to beat his 3-point prop, he needs to make two from beyond the arc.Nikola Vucevic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Caratini’s Quietly Excellent Bat, Cubs Contact Rates, Executive Movements, and Other Cubs Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular