The case for Matt Wieters

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By Andy Hefty, Guest Blogger

Glen Saint Mary, FL – For some time, there has been controversy over whether Orioles Catcher Matt Wieters should get what he wants when it’s time to negotiate a new contract. For the Orioles front office, I have five words:

Give him what he wants.

I’ll give you a short list.

First, and probably most importantly, Matt is the leader of the ball club. While the O’s have had many solid catchers over the last decade, there really hasn’t been a leader from behind the plate since Chris Hoiles. Wieters has an ability to calm a rattled pitcher, relay signals appropriately, and keep a sharp eye on every detail of the game.

Second. He’s a top-rate defensive catcher. Rare is the catcher who keeps runners at bay without even throwing them out. Why? Because runners have learned to not run off of him. Errors? Near zero. The speed of his throws to second rival a closing pitcher. And his accuracy just might give him an opportunity to extend his career in the bullpen. Really.

Third. His bat. At this early going in the season, he has one of the hottest bats in the AL. Third in the AL in batting average, eighth in the majors, as of this writing, .358. The last 7 games, he hit twice or more in 6. Naturally, he likely won’t maintain that. But this is clearly the case for giving him a day off as a DH. Side note: Steve Clevenger is a more-than-serviceable backup.

Don’t forget his size. How many catchers are 6’5” 240? He towers over batters, even when squatting down. That spells intimidation.

Couple all this with the intangibles of “Orioles Magic,” and Dan Duquette would be sadly mistaken in letting Matt Wieters go to another team. Matt may not be the fan-favorite in Charm City, but losing him next season will leave a void that is not soon filled.

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Brian Hradsky

The owner of MSB, I created this website while in college and it has never died.

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