Washington Nationals: Who Is Catching When It Counts?
By Ron Juckett
JOSE LOBATON
If Lobaton starts the second half as the primary catcher, the Washington Nationals are in deep trouble.
Just once in his seven seasons has Lobaton been the primary catcher, in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays. In three seasons as the backup with the Nats, he played in 149 games and has a batting average of .223. The good news it is 20 pounds above his playing weight. On the other hand, the Adjusted OPS+ for that stretch is 66.
Remember, 100 is average production.
Although a good player to have on the bench who calls a good game, is not an everyday starter. Lobaton does not own a cannon of an arm in seven seasons, he gunned down 22 percent of would be base stealers. The average is 27 percent.
If Washington signed a free agent who ended up hurt or Severino is not ready, those are the only reasons Lobaton should catch the second-half opener. He is not the answer, or a realistic stopgap for a team with championship dreams.
On the flip side, there is no good reason not to have him on the roster. Whether it is mentoring Severino or as a veteran presence who knows his pitching staff, Lobaton is a positive player for Washington to have on the team. Just not an everyday one.