Paul Articulates - Is Francisco Alvarez ready for MLB?

With the current Mets catchers Tomas Nido and Patrick Majeka struggling offensively and #1 catcher Janes McCann on injured reserve, we frequently hear the question, “Is Francisco Alvarez ready for Queens?”

On Thursday night, I went to see the AA Binghamton Rumble Ponies to find out for myself.  My answer is not quite yet – but he is getting close.  Here is what I saw when Alvarez caught an evening game between the Binghamton Rumble Ponies and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. 

Offense: Alvarez went 1-5 with a home run in the game. He displayed a very quick, compact swing that ended with a violent collision between bat and ball.  After slumping earlier this season, Alvarez has been punishing opposing pitchers with 8 home runs and a 1.018 OPS over the last 30 days.  The only issue at the plate that I see is his tendency to chase the slider off the outside corner.  MLB pitchers will quickly figure that out, so he has to maintain discipline.

Defense: Alvarez has improved behind the plate this season.  He now displays a very quick release and a strong, accurate throwing arm.  He threw out two baserunners attempting to steal 2^nd base on two attempts.  From my vantage point, he seemed to frame pitches very well.  These are very important characteristics for catching in the major leagues.  However, there are two areas that still need to be developed.  

First, he backhands every ball in the dirt on his right side.  This will get him in trouble with right handed pitchers burying the breaking ball on an 0-2 count against right handed batters.  He also has to work on managing the pitching staff.  On this particular night, the starting pitcher had a really rough outing – 30 pitches in 2/3 of an inning with 6 hits, 6 runs, a balk, and a HBP.  

Francisco never made a mound visit to calm his pitcher or discuss mechanics or pitch selection.  His only trips to the mound were when the pitching coach came out, and then when the manager came to make a change.  It is a catcher’s responsibility to keep the pitcher focused and adjusted to the situation.

So to summarize what I saw, this kid is a legitimate MLB prospect.  He is rated as the #7 prospect on MLB.com and he deserves it given the skills he has displayed at the AA level.  But he is still developing, and the weaknesses noted above need to be refined before the Mets bring him up.  MLB is filled with skilled players and the difference between an all-star and a bench player can be a very subtle self-confidence that is either boosted by success, or eroded by failure.  

Players that are rushed to the majors can lose confidence when their weaknesses are discovered and exploited, so it is best to improve those weaknesses in the minors where they are under much less scrutiny and pressure.

Give him some time, and he will deliver.