Whats the long-term prognosis for Matt LeCroy as a catcher compared to Michael Barrett?
Both LeCroy and Barrett have been the victim of poor decision-making by their organizations. LeCroy was rushed to the majors last year, and not surprisingly he struggled with the bat. Some scouts were also concerned that people on the Twins coaching staff had tinkered with his formerly powerful swing and were trying to turn him into a singles hitter. That’s not his style. Defensively, LeCroy draws mixed reviews. Tom Kelly praised his defense several times in the spring, but by fall they were using him at first base. Frankly, I don’t know what’s going to happen with him. As for Barrett, he kept getting jerked back and forth between catcher and third base. No wonder he looked confused all year. They are apparently going to stick with him at catcher for now. I expect that Barrett will eventually emerge as a .280-.310 hitter, with 15 homers a year. LeCroy should show more power, but probably a lower batting average, assuming that Kelly doesn’t turn his bat into Matt Walbeck’s. John Sickels
