I know it is way too early for a complaint thread, but John Buck has looked putrid at the plate. Despite his homer in Cincy (not that hard), he again looks like a .220 hitter, and thats a push right now. Defensive wise, I have noticed Buck is framing pitches much better and looks more comfortable behind the plate. My question is, with Buck signed for this year and next, do we just take what we get with Buck and settle with what he can give us? I would say we could take a look at different options at the deadline but Im not sure there would be anybody who would be considered a worthy upgrade? Again, not complaining at all yet because Hanley, Lomo, Gaby, etc. are all still searching for their swing.

 

Also, speaking of the catcher position, is Realmuto officially ahead of Skipworth in the race for the future job at catcher? Sorry if this is comes out to be more of a "question post" but Im just curious what other Marlin fans think of the future at catcher.

 

Go Fish

Yes and yes.

A complaint thread after a 2-3 start?

 

Please go carp somewhere else.

A complaint thread after a 2-3 start?

 

Please go carp somewhere else.

 

This really isn't a complaint thread, more just questions.

Not a complaint thread at all, so Ill gladly stay put here. If you cant answer my question you can go carp somewhere else. I will root for Buck untill the day he leaves, but I am entitled to my opinion of his offensive blunders.

This isn't a complaint thread, and actually seems like a logical post. I too wonder about the future at catcher. Skipworth seems to be a bust. Not sure if Realmuto will continue to develop, so it IS a major question mark. Still have faith in Buck though

Bucks just a stall for Realmuto. That guy is gonna be awesome.

Not a complaint thread at all, so Ill gladly stay put here. If you cant answer my question you can go carp somewhere else. I will root for Buck untill the day he leaves, but I am entitled to my opinion of his offensive blunders.

 

In that case, I agree with Erik's answers.

John Buck is what he is: an average MLB catcher. If a clear upgrade presents itself, fine, but until that happens, he is certainly not hurting us.

 

I do not like discussing player's early-season performance.

Sick painted helmet, power in the clutch, and threw someone out on opening day! I like him.

Waiting for Realmuto ( and on a different topic: Yelich)

Looking way ahead, but say Lomo develops as expected, Boni shows he deserves to be in CF, and Gaby continues to play well. Who would be the odd man out and where would Yelich fit in?

Looking way ahead, but say Lomo develops as expected, Boni shows he deserves to be in CF, and Gaby continues to play well. Who would be the odd man out and where would Yelich fit in?

 

I'd say Gaby is out due to age, LoMo to first and Yelich to left.

When Yelich is ready, I see Gaby getting forced out

I'm not a huge Buck fan, but I think that you can tolerate low offensive production out of the catcher's position. In terms of question marks surrounding the lineup, I'd say it's a pretty minor concern.

Lomo to first.

Buck is what he is - I go in with low expectations so when he does something, it's a bonus

Also, to the original poster, the fact that your prefaced the thread with "I'll start it" makes it seem like you have been waiting for someone to start complaining about him and figured you would take it upon yourself. That's why people took it as complaining.

 

As for Buck, he put up a .683 OPS last year while the average MLB catcher put up a .703. And that was with the 2nd-lowest BABIP of his career and an above-average LD% rate for himself. He probably had a bit of bad luck last year. Nobody should be worried about him.

John Buck is the 8th hitter in the lineup....

UNCCLLEE BUUUCK!!

Start Hayes.

I take any production from Buck as a bonus. He works well with the pitchers, that's all I want from him right now.

He also hits grand slams and stuff.

Unless my memory is faulty, although he may be average in the position, he's the best we've had in a lot of years.

Also, to the original poster, the fact that your prefaced the thread with "I'll start it" makes it seem like you have been waiting for someone to start complaining about him and figured you would take it upon yourself. That's why people took it as complaining.

 

As for Buck, he put up a .683 OPS last year while the average MLB catcher put up a .703. And that was with the 2nd-lowest BABIP of his career and an above-average LD% rate for himself. He probably had a bit of bad luck last year. Nobody should be worried about him.

 

 

Lad Buck with the Bad Luck.