Tek Overrated?

[yagmaster]

Excuse me for the blashphemy, but I think Jason might have been considered so underrated, that he's become overrated. His offensive stats are pretty good, for a catcher, but nothing spectacular. He doesn't throw badly but he's no Pudge. Although he calls games and handles pitchers extremely well, it's not like he turns a mediocre pitching staff into stars; he has three possible aces and the best bullpen in the league. I love the guy, but I think Pedro, Nomar, and Ortiz are all players that should be higher priorities to sign for next year.

[yeszir]

How. Dare. You! He's still the second best catcher in the AL, no matter what you say about him. He hits well, but what he does behind the plate is what counts. Take, for example, what he just did. He threw out Sheff to end the inning and give the sox the chance to go ahead. I like Tek, and I now hate you.

[Tek04]

yes how dare you...tek is very underated

[dirtdogman5]

Originally posted by yeszir@Apr 24 2004, 04:08 PM

He's still the second best catcher in the AL

I think that's changed since the arrival of Lopez and Pudge. But still, he's one of the most valuable members on the team. It's hard to find a good catcher. Did you see the two great throws he had to 2B yesterday? Pretty awesome. Unless Shoppach is stud-like in AAA this year, I think we should resign Varitek. But that might not be possible with him being a Boras client.

[yawkeyway]

I still think Tek is better than Posada, no matter what Posada hits. The reason he is underrated (yes underrated, not overrated) is because no one appreciates how he calls a game.

 

Lets face it, most people are casual fans. They dont care if a catcher wants it low and away, they just want homeruns and strikeouts. Tek has caught two no hitters in his career, from pitchers who you wouldnt expect to throw them. That says something about him. He knows what to throw and when to throw it. That is the genius of Jason Varitek.

[roary]

Originally posted by yawkeyway@Apr 26 2004, 07:15 PM

I still think Tek is better than Posada, no matter what Posada hits. The reason he is underrated (yes underrated, not overrated) is because no one appreciates how he calls a game.

 

Lets face it, most people are casual fans. They dont care if a catcher wants it low and away, they just want homeruns and strikeouts. Tek has caught two no hitters in his career, from pitchers who you wouldnt expect to throw them. That says something about him. He knows what to throw and when to throw it. That is the genius of Jason Varitek.

I echo this. Plus, hes really starting to improve offensively. I remember a few years back I used to consider him and automatic out. "o great, its Varitek, lets go get something to eat". Stuff like that. But now he's good enough to be in the header of this site I see. . Anyway, to call him overrated is wrong in my mind. But I guess I do see how all of the "underrated" talk could lead to someone thinking he was overrated in the sense of being called underrated all the time.

 

Haha, what a mouthful!

[roary]

I actually agree with yagmaster. I think Tek is just a smidgeon overrated. His talked about as being so underrated, but he now commands the attention of all of RSN, and he isnt THAT great. Theres another aspect to baseball other than defense, and his hitting isnt that great. I think he peaked last year. I still love him though, dont get me wrong.