We need to d'Arnaud

It has been a long time since Mets fans have felt truly comfortable with anyone playing catcher for their team. Since 2006, guys like Paul Lo Duca, Brian Schneider, Rod Barajas, Josh Thole and now John Buck have been our opening day backstops and none of those names garner and real excitement or great memories. Each had their deficiencies whether it being a free swinger, having no power or an inability to throw out base stealers. We have been searching for a talented and reliable player who can fill the void in our hearts for a player like Mike Piazza or Gary Carter. Can Travis d’Arnaud be that player?

D’Arnaud didn’t exactly come up from Vegas with the same fanfare of guys like Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler and he certainly hasn’t set the world on fire offensively, but make no mistake, he has the all-around ability to become one of the better catchers in the league. The centerpiece of the R.A. Dickey trade has gone hitless while filling in for John Buck who is finally returning from paternity leave, but has a .417 OBP with five walks in the three games he has played. He basically walked as many times as John Buck does in a month in what amounts to one series. He has plate vision that allows him to work counts and finds balls he can drive. The hits will come and I think once the first one comes in, he will feel the monkey off his back and settle in to the majors. Some people might be alarmed at him being hitless, but those same people might want to think about Kaz Matsui and how he made a statement in his debut and was essentially useless for the rest of his career.

D’Arnaud has been more interesting to me behind the plate where he has called some good games for the Mets so far. I love the way he frames the ball and it will be crucial for him to grow accustomed to the pitching staff to build a rapport that will aid him with his transition to the starter in 2014. He already has two passed balls and has yet to throw out a base stealer, but we aren’t talking about Yadier Molina here. It will be fun to watch him grow accustomed to the speed of the game from behind the dish and learn on the fly.

Now the question becomes, how often do we play him? It seems the plan is to play d’Arnaud as often as possible, but I feel it is imperative to not only his development and his health to allow John Buck to spot start regularly. I am more worried about whom he catches for rather than when he catches. If d’Arnaud isn’t catching Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey for the remainder of their starts, the Mets are doing themselves a great disservice. He seemed to have some success with Dillon Gee and he’ll need to see doses of Jonathon Niese for the upcoming year. Maybe John Buck can be the designated for Carlos Torres or whatever incumbent starter makes his way up to fill in when the rosters expand. A 4:1 ratio sounds perfect for d’Arnaud’s development.

Travis d’Arnaud makes his Citi Field debut tonight and I desperately want him to get his first hit in front of the home crowd. It will be the first of many.