Just a Bit Outside: Is Pitch Framing Underrated?

[weams]

And yet another technique.

[Il BuonO]

I don't disagree, but he did catch 75 games. Thats enough to tell us some things. Of c with 75 games he had #1 catchers era in mlb. This is with a pitching staff with no #1 starter and pretty much average performance the previous two years. 40% cs. Some issues with blocking and passed balls, but overall he had a massive positive impact from his defense. I think his framing was a huge part of the teams success.

So, until there are some normal grades at both ends of the curve on framing I believe the jury is still out on Caleb, but no doubt he improved his defense overall.

However, while it's possible catchers may have a significant effect on pitching, there is far too much yearly variation for it to be considered a skill.