Robinson Chirinos 2022

[Pickles]

Wow.  What a breathe of fresh air this guy has been.

Praising a man by criticizing another is the poorest compliment possible, but when he broke down and blocked a breaking ball in the dirt, even without any baserunners the other day, I had to smile and think about his predecessor.  He's also been active with the pitchers and clearly communicative and engaged.  Likewise, a welcome difference.

I always liked him in Texas.  I realize he's 38 years old, but for what is hopefully his role- ~45 games behind the plate- he should help this team.

[Too Tall]

He's like an extra pitching coach - a good pitching coach behind the plate. Wish he could hit more but boy what a difference from what we have had before.

[Pushmonkey]

Him coming to the mound in the 9th was a breath of fresh air. 

[yark14]

He very well could be a major reason why our bullpen is outperforming expectations so far.

[Can_of_corn]

5 minutes ago, yark14 said:

He very well could be a major reason why our bullpen is outperforming expectations so far.

Or the fact that it's been four games.

 

He's been fine, all you could reasonably expect.  Not sure if he's going to hold up for 100 games.

[Pickles]

14 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

Or the fact that it's been four games.

 

He's been fine, all you could reasonably expect.  Not sure if he's going to hold up for 100 games.

Let's hope we only need about half that.

[jabba72]

17 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

Or the fact that it's been four games.

 

He's been fine, all you could reasonably expect.  Not sure if he's going to hold up for 100 games.

I dont think he'll hold up for 100 either. Lets hope he plays half that.

[Frobby]

So I noticed a few things when I was at yesterday’s game.   

In the 8th inning, two outs and a two strike count, Chirinos and Lopez were not on the same page.   Chirinos came out to the mound and they had a long talk.   The next pitch was a swinging strike three.   Chirinos bounced out of his squat, waited for Lopez at the foul line and gave him a low five and trotted into the dugout with him.   

Bottom of the inning, two runners on, and Chirinos draws a hard-fought ten pitch walk to load the bases.   While running to first, he turns to the dugout and pumps his fist at them to encourage his teammates.  

Next batter, Odor gets maybe the biggest hit of the season so far, a bases loaded single that scored and puts the O’s up 2-0.   As the play ends, Chirinos stands on 2B with his arms raised in exhultation.  A few seconds later, Aaron Boone comes out to change pitchers.  The instant Chirinos recognizes that this is going to be a pitching change, and before Boone has even reached the mound, Chirinos starts walking over to 1B.   When he gets there, he gives Odor a double high five and a hug.

The positive energy and encouragement this guy gives his teammates is palpable.  And yes, I think his pitch calling and game management is making a difference for his pitchers.     


 

[NelsonCruuuuuz]

Agreed! At 37, lock this guy up long term lol. Pitch framing is amazing!

[Sports Guy]

His at bat yesterday was the key at bat of the game.

[glenn__davis]

Seems like a great vet guy to have, agreed. 

[wildcard]

His  pitch blocking allows pitchers to throw in the dirt  with confidence.  That  is a huge difference.

[Aristotelian]

Anyone know of a source for Catcher ERA? Would be curious to compare Chirinos vs Severino vs their respective teams. Impossible to quantify but no doubt the pitchers have been performing well with him. I know it's very, very early, but when was the last time we were #5 in MLB team pitching? 

[Sports Guy]

I think his impact is being really overblown.  But he is an improvement and seems to be more of a leader than what we have had.

[Aristotelian]

Never mind, I found it. Last year Chirinos had 6.51 CERA vs team 4.88, so go figure! In 2019, 3.57 CERA vs team 3.66.