The analysis is based on their 2008-2011 seasons, so it’s for the most recent four years. During that time Barajas played a lot more than Blanco, possibly because he is four years younger. Rod could fill in full time in case of an emergency, as shown by his almost 3300 innings over the last four years. During the same time, Henry has caught only about 1400 innings. If full time catching isn’t needed, this factor isn’t significant as they show similar durability.

Their PB percentages are roughly the same.

But here is a significant difference: Teams run less on Blanco per game. That’s likely because he has a 44CS%. Rod has only a 25.7CS%. To compare apples to apples, if 100 runners attempted to steal on each player, 56 would succeed against Blanco, but almost 75 would against Rod. As I’ve said, probably less would actually try when Blanco is behind the plate. Thus the disparity between Henry and Rod would be even greater. For a hypothetical full season behind the plate (which in both cases now is unlikely to happen) their current performance indicates that Rod will let opposing runners take about 30-35 more bases than Henry,

Rod is a better hitter so there is a tradeoff of offense for defense.

My God, this belief in a philosophy has F’ed up so many people’s ability to just think in terms of competition, getting better and what your team needs to fill their specific needs only. NOT relative to anybody elses need or to any RIDICULOUS league average – just their own situation. It’s unbelievable.

His age – in the Mets case – is COMPLETELY UNIMPORTANT.

Everybody is so enamored in trying to be as clever and frugal as possible they’re losing site of what’s important. They are losing the forest for the trees.

My philosophy is trying to win and Rod Barajas at 4 million would’ve been a good get for the Mets. He would’ve helped Thole, improved the pitching staff immensely, and provide leadership in a team that needs it. Those factors alone would create more wins and that’s the only thing it’s about. He also hits with power and drive in runs at the bottom of the order and who knows..maybe working with Hudgens he would improve his hitting.

4 million for Barajas SHOULD have been done and the Mets could’ve moved on already. I’m sure they can find an extra couple million from somewhere for that purpose and since we don’t have an exact budget number you can try and tell me the Mets wouldn’t have it but you’d be no more in the know than me.

Since Alderson said the payroll remains the same whether they sign Reyes or not….on the very off chance they do sign Reyes, I’m thinking Nickeas instantly becomes the 2nd catcher. They’ll be just about out of money and anything available left to spend will probably be spent on pitching then. Only other thing they can do in that case is trade for another catcher.

Then again, Maybe they could use Wright and we get your guy + another?

I think our best bet is to find a world class coach to work with Thole and platoon him with Nickeas.

Also, there always the trade possibility, every team has their version of Nicklas and im sure it’s a better version so i think there a trade option is there and even if we start season Nicklas ther’s alway the insason move to upgrade as well..i also agree Blanco and Barojas would prob be fine so it prob wasnt the best idea letting them go..