Feb
4
2011

Thole Is Just One Of The Stories To Watch In 2011

An article by Hojo's Mojo

Matt Cerrone over at MetsBlog posted a great interview clip from last night’s edition of Mets Hot Stove on SNY with host Kevin Burkhardt.

He talked about the defensive part of his game and regarding throwing runners out attempting to steal he said,

“Trust. I just trusted myself. I felt like I knew I could do it, and that’s what I needed. Obviously, I needed to refine my tools, but I also needed to know I was going to come in and catch well, not, ‘I hope I block this ball, I hope I throw him out.’ I told myself, I’m gonna throw this guy out. So, my mindset kind of changed more than anything.”

It’s hard to believe that Thole will only be entering his third full season as catcher, a position that is still relatively new to him. At times last season, he looked as savvy behind the dish as Rod Barajas who he eventually replaced.

This season, Thole will be getting the majority of the playing time in a platoon with newly signed catcher Ronny Paulino.

I expect Thole to be a significant part of the offense this season, and eventually he could prove to be a solid number two hitter as he continues to work on the offensive side of his game.

About the Author: Rob Johnson

6 Comments + Add Comment

jay'smets February 4, 2011 at 2:14 pm

Thole could be the second coming of Paul LoDuca. If he takes advantage of this opportunity and produces on both sides of the diamond he could be a solid additional now and innthe future.
- Bayonne Mets Fan February 4, 2011 at 3:00 pm
  
  Yeah, i like what i see from this kid too. Just seeing his ‘makeup’ on the TV he’s the type of talent than can exceed expectations because of who he is and his approach/work ethic.
  
  He looks like the type of person that can grow overnight – in a mature sense.
  
  Those are things numbers don’t tell you. The numbers will only be the result of the evaluation.
any February 4, 2011 at 3:41 pm

the numbers he puts up remain to be seen, but it is hard not to like this guy.
Jerry M February 5, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Josh gets hits even if not HRs. As a hitter hiting 8th in the order he will be behind Murphy. Murphy will get on base (many times in the past he was left at 2nd or 3rd) Thole will then bring him home. They make a good combination.
- Bayonne Mets Fan February 5, 2011 at 9:09 pm
  
  Even in a post about Josh Thole you bring in Murphy. He will NOT be a starting 2B – EVER!
tlagee February 6, 2011 at 6:22 pm

I think Josh has a good bat. How good? We’ll find out pretty soon. The big question mark has been his catching. Big question mark over him.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	30	.583	-
Phillies	35	37	.486	7.0
Nationals	34	36	.486	7.0
Mets	27	40	.403	12.5
Marlins	22	48	.314	19.0

Last updated: 06/19/2013

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