It must be BS, because he’s had a nice career as a coach & minor league manager, which wouldn’t be possible nowadays (I would hope) if he had a known racial bias.

Hassey was often a clutch hitter for the Yanks, and when I think of him, it’s “decent hitter/so-so catcher.” But ironically his claim to fame is catching two perfect games – Len Barker & Dennis Martinez.

No doubt our Catchers have been great offensively. However, after reading a few article on pitch framing, and looking at overall D, CS% and game calling, I’m beginning to wonder how you define the ‘best’ Catchers.

I remember one article which rated Pudge a far amount more productive than Piazza, even though Piazza’s O numbers were eons ahead of Pudge.

If you believe some of these new-fanged stats for Catchers, Martin ranks close to Posada.

Because these esoteric stats, as well as Defense in general, are hard to put a handle on, Offensive numbers always look more impressive. But old timers always take the ‘defensive specialist’ behind the plate, and, as an example, we have all seen how Gardner’s defense makes him very valuable, even with positional offensive numbers that are below average.

Some say it’s Pitching and Defense that Wins, more then offense. While Matsui and Sheffield were monsters, I much prefer Grandy/Gardy in the OF.

I wonder as Defense and ‘Catching Stats’ become more prevelant and accurate, how our perceptions will change about the value of certain ballplayers.

Good gosh, I’d completely forgotten Brad Gulden.

Man, the Yanks have had some amazing starting catchers.