Don't get worked up over small samples either way. I try to wait until Memorial Day before I really have a good idea on how a season is really going to go. The first series of the year is always over amplified.
He hadn't pitched off a mound in 3 years. It was crazy to just throw him out there the way they did and not start him off slowly with a throwing program. Right now, I'm sure everything hurts.
Yes, they reported it as a back issue.
Masa has a 308 average with a 400 OBP, 4 R, 3 RBI, 1 SB. I don't think he's been overwhelmed by anything at this point. 6.7% k rate seems good to me? That's actually a pretty solid series.
OR he could just be an adequate replacement catcher for a few years until the Sox actually figure out a plan for the future (Hickey, Brannon, etc.). Not every player has to be an All Star. Christian Vazquez is getting paid 12M this year and there's no way I'd pay him that.
First WOO lineup of the year:
1. Jarren Duran- CF
2. David Hamilton- SS (#26 on the #SP60)
3. Bobby Dalbec- 1B
4. Enmanuel Valdez- 2B (#17)
5. Jorge Alfaro- C
6. Daniel Palka- DH
7. Niko Goodrum- 3B
8. Ryan Fitzgerald- RF (#54)
9. Greg Allen- LF
In 2023, what is a #1 catcher?
In 2022:
Only 5 catchers qualified for the batting title.
Only 14 had 400 PA's (this includes DH appearances and other positions).
Metrics say that McGuire is a decent catcher.
The organization believes that Wong can be a good catcher.
All reports have stated that Alfaro is a terrible catcher. The only thing that he is good at is pop time and arm strength, BUT it doesn't even correlate with a high caught stealing rate!