Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
So far the 2015 MLB season has been a mixture of elation and frustration for the fans of the Atlanta Braves, since sometimes the team looks like a scrappy fighter and other times they look outmatched. Most knew that there would be some troubles during this season, however, and now that the team is in the race despite their problems, all is well for the most part. All is not well behind the plate however, as the Braves have to do something about Christian Bethancourt.
Maybe we shouldn’t focus too much on Bethancourt’s offensive troubles since the Braves knew he was not going to be the next Evan Gattis when they handpicked him as their future catcher. It was never all about his offense, so maybe we can give a little ground in that area, despite the fact that he performed better in a part-time role last season than in his everyday role this season.
Even if we ignore that part, however, there is still a big problem and that is on the defensive side. Bethancourt was supposed to be the big arm, great minded, ball blocking, defensive catcher of the world. He was to be the next great defensive catcher in the major leagues. That might be laying it on a little thick, but everyone expected defense to be his big game attribute and it has not been. He almost single-handedly cost the team the series finale with the San Diego Padres recently.
Maybe he needs more time in the minor leagues or perhaps they should admit he isn’t what they thought and trade him for something in return. One thing is for sure; Bethancourt is not becoming the catcher the Braves thought he would be at this point and it is a problem. A.J. Pierzynski has been amazing and the fans can thank their lucky stars for that fact, but he was never intended to be the everyday catcher and cannot be expected to keep up that pace all season. Therein lies the problem.
What is the solution? Several teams have catchers as trade options around the league and few teams really have a need in the area of catching right now. Maybe the Braves team officials can sneak in and pull off a zinger of a deal to either replace Bethancourt for the next few years or give him time to rebuild what he has lost in the minors. After all, this guy is the reason it was supposed to be okay to trade Gattis and to allow Brian McCann to move to New York. Something – anything at this point – needs to change.
David Miller is an MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
