Nov
2
2012

2012 Mets Player Review: Josh Thole, C

An article by John Delcos

JOSH THOLE, C

PRESEASON EXPECTATIONS: For the second straight year, the Mets had high expectations for Josh Thole. When Thole broke in with the Mets in 2010, they liked his patience at the plate, ability to go to the opposite field and how he handled the staff. So somebody that inexperienced at the position he did remarkably well. Perhaps they overrated him as he was one of the few bright spots in a dismal season. However, he regressed in 2011, both offensively and defensively. Considering his small major league window, the Mets were counting on him to regain his plate presence, both in working the count and going the opposite way. As he developed physically, there was also the hope of him hitting for more power. Defensively, his familiarity with the staff created the hope he’d improve in calling a game. Other weaknesses included throwing out base stealers and blocking balls in the dirt.

2012 SEASON REVIEW: Thole regressed this summer as he did in 2011. There were too many wasted at-bats, a lack of patience and little production. Thole hit .234 with one homer, 21 RBI, and a low .294 on-base percentage and a miniscule .584 OPS. In 104 games he had only 75 hits. He should have produced more simply by accident. He also struck out 50 times to only 27 walks. In comparison back-up catcher Kelly Shoppach homered three times with 10 RBI in 28 games with the Mets. Defensively, GM Sandy Alderson pointed to R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese as an endorsement of Thole’s game-calling, but he conveniently omitted his 18 passed balls (mostly with Dickey) and that he threw out only 17 base stealers in 74 attempts while weakness in throwing out potential base stealers for a paltry 23 percent.

LOOKING AT 2013: The Mets have a myriad of holes and catching is one of them. Shoppach contributed a little, but not to where he’s high on the Mets’ bring-back list. Because the Mets have little on the minor league level and more pressing needs, there’s not a high priority to replace Thole, who made $498,000 in 2012 and is eligible for salary arbitration. Even if Thole wins in arbitration, he won’t break the penny-conscious Mets. Perhaps more than any other Met, Thole has the most to prove. He’s been at this level for four seasons and should have shown considerably more by now. His career numbers are a .261 average, with seven homers and 87 RBI. By now he should do better than that in a single season.

About the Author: John Delcos

I am an active member of the BBWAA and have covered Major League Baseball in several capacities for over 20 years, including ten in New York working the Mets' and Yankees' beat. I covered the Baltimore Orioles for eight years and the Cleveland Indians before that. I currently serve as an editor and senior staff writer for Mets Merized Online. Follow me on Twitter @jdelcos.

11 Comments + Add Comment

Kranepool7 November 2, 2012 at 10:32 am

Regardless of how bad he is, I’m betting he’s still our catcher next season.
- Peter R. November 2, 2012 at 10:42 am
  
  I doubt that very much. If he’s still here it will be as the backup. Catcher is the one spot where I think we’ll see a big change and upgrade. Could be just the optimist in me talking but that’s what I believe.
Sponge Bob November 2, 2012 at 10:56 am

“His career numbers are a .261 average, with seven homers and 87 RBI. By now he should do better than that in a single season.”

I doubt Thole was ever going to be an 87 RBI player, but the rest is true enough.
SaltyGary November 2, 2012 at 11:19 am

I say eff it and bring in T-Paw now.
- TX November 2, 2012 at 11:23 am
  
  He’s going to need a killer nick name. Polska Power or the Flying Perogi or something.
  - SaltyGary November 2, 2012 at 11:42 am
    
    How about the Perogi Polka? It can be a new between inning bit the stadium does. 4 Fans come down dress in Perogi costumes and the fans cheer for the best pair and they win a box of Miss T’s
ray sadecki November 2, 2012 at 12:58 pm

I remember when he first came up he choked up on the bat noticeably. I dont see that anymore. Probably this is a result of the mets trying to make him into a power hitter. His defense is horrible. About calling pitches, I thought that comes from warthen.
Just_Da_Damaja November 2, 2012 at 4:01 pm

Sandy failed

Time and time again…most organizations sign a veteran catcher who is good at mentoring young players, both pitchers and younger catchers…

Florida did it with Pudge
Detroit did it with Pudge
Nats did it with Pudge

When Pudge said he wanted to play for the mets in 2012…what did Mr Sabermetric Wizard tell Pudge what 3 other smart organizations did not?

http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2012-02-29/new-york-mets-pudge-rodriguez-ivan-gold-glove-3000-hits-catcher

“Rodriguez contacted the Mets about the possibility of serving as their backup catcher this season. However, he was told that adding another catcher to the roster is “not currently a priority.” Mike Nickeas projects as New York’s backup to starter Josh Thole.”

So the guy who mentored the 2003 Marlins…the 2004-2007 Tigers…and the 2010-2011 Nationals…was available…CONTACTED SANDY….and sandy said Thole and the staff would be better off with Mike Nikeaus to help things out…

Again…aside from wearing really expensive suits from the 1980′s and whipping out words you would use in Scrabble…Sandy has done jack-sheet as a GM…not because he is a bad GM…but again….this was never a job he wanted….this is a chore…and he treats it as such…
- Just_Da_Damaja November 2, 2012 at 4:02 pm
  
  The Braves signed Todd Pratt to serve as a mentor to Brian McCann…( Todd also was good friends and a mentor to their top catching prospect at the time Jerrold Saltamachia )
  
  http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051209&content_id=1280066&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
  
  http://www.milb.com/gen/articles/printer_friendly/milb/y2006/m03/d16/c48231.jsp
- Just_Da_Damaja November 2, 2012 at 4:03 pm
  
  The Giants made sure they hung onto Bengie Molina long enough to show Buster Posey the ropes before they traded him..
  
  “What a great character he was in the clubhouse,” Giants closer Brian Wilson said. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here. He helped me hone my skills.”
  
  http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/24/sports/la-sp-1025-nlcs-bengie-molina-20101025
ray sadecki November 2, 2012 at 4:37 pm

I have to agree with just this time. I was wondering why they didnt want pudge. then again nobody else wanted him either. you know he was desperate if he called the mets. lol. maybe there was a health issue.

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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