Duffman100 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-
I could have swore I saw a statistic like 2 weeks ago that said when Zaun was catching, the pitchers ERA was 3 something, and with Thigpen is was 4.5.
Not sure where I saw it though, so I can't really back it up.
That wouldn't mean anything on its own though. For example if Thigpen was catching the 4 and 5 starters while Zaun caught the 1-3 starters then obviously the pitchers ERA would be higher for Thigpen. The "call the game" comment would only apply if Halladay's ERA was higher with Thigpen than with Zaun for example.
wtb- I'd like to know the details of that baseball prospectus study because I do think that a catcher is in a unique position to influence a pitcher's ERA regardless of what they say.
Their ability to throw out runners will absolutely have an impact on a pitchers ERA ultimately, because more/less runners will be in scoring position. Besides that, their ability to block pitches in the dirt will have an effect on the pitchers comfort in throwing certain pitches. This may or may not have an effect on ERA, but I'm inclined to think that it would. Also (to a lesser extent) their offensive production can contribute to more runs scored and thus a more comfortable pitcher (actually this one applies to any position player).
