Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It is said that being a good defensive catcher is the quickest way to get to Major League Baseball. That certainly has proven to be true over many years. It also could possibly be true that being a good defensive catcher will keep someone a major leaguer for much longer than normal. The Seattle Mariners have seen the proof of that with the elder veteran Henry Blanco taking over everyday catching duties and doing a great job of it.
Blanco is never going to win a batting title or a home run derby but if the Mariners want someone that knows how to call a game in the major leagues, they know they need to look no further than Blanco. He has a good and reliable arm, commands a game like a good field general should and actually is a better hitter than he is given credit for. Overall he is a better player and catcher than he would receive credit for.
I’ll say this. With the Mariners trying to maximize their wins for the remainder of this season they could do a lot worse than Blanco. His recent grand slam is proof enough that he has a sort of knack for timely hitting. If he gets five hits in a whole week you can bet they will be productive and more times than not he makes productive outs. Defensively there is no question Blanco can carry the load. Offensively he is much better than his numbers suggest. Going with him most every day is a good move for sure.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
