Molina, Piazza or Zaun?
I read over at Bluebird Banter that J.P. Ricciardi and the Jays are reportedly still interested in free agent catcher Mike Piazza. Yesterday, I mentioned in a post that I'd like to see Molina signed to the Jays. Both the New York Daily News and Newsday reported earlier this week that the Jays were the front runners for Bengie's services in 2006. Similarly, Piazza is apparently being pursued by only the Orioles, Angels and Jays. Aside from Guillermo Quiroz and the recently acquired Jason Phillips, we have Gregg Zaun behind the plate. I liked Zaun in an Expos uniform, and think he's been pretty solid for the Jays too. Let's compare Zaun's 2005 production stats to Piazza's and Molina's, shall we?
| Player | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BA | OBP | SLG |
| Zaun | 434 | 61 | 109 | 18 | 1 | 11 | 61 | .251 | .355 | .373 |
| Piazza | 398 | 41 | 100 | 23 | 0 | 19 | 62 | .251 | .326 | .452 |
| Molina | 410 | 45 | 121 | 17 | 0 | 15 | 69 | .295 | .336 | .446 |
This is just one year of stats–Piazza didn't have a great 2005, and his BA has pretty much steadily declined since 2001. Based solely on this limited data, I'd pick Zaun over Piazza (though I do hope he mounts a comeback year in 2006). The choice between Zaun and Molina isn't as clear though. I really need to look at the defensive stats for a clearer picture…
Hi Sam,
I think the Jays will be fine with Zaun and Phillips (who, IMHO, is underrated and should really do well against American League pitching, if you believe AL pitching is inferior to NL pitching). I think they would be flogging a dead horse (literally) in picking up Piazza. He is so fragile and I don't think he has played close to a full season in years - and, when he has played in the past few years, his stats are way off his career average. Molina would be a beauty if they could land him but then they would have to deal Zaun. With the way he has played the past few years they could probably get back more than he is worth in trade. That might be cool.
Interesting, trade Zaun then sign Molina. I kind of feel the same way about retaining Zaun as I do about the Nats' signing of Schneider: rewarding your performing roster players with contracts rather than bringing in free agents works like an incentive to everyone on the team, and can bring alot of positivity to the clubhouse. Clubs with revolving doors of free agents have a harder time building a team with the same winning mentality. I could be way off base here, I'm sort of developing this little theory as I type…
Molina is a big talent and whoever lands him will get a solid backstop. I've heard that Piazza is not sold on playing DH only, but I think this is his best chance at re-establishing himself as an offensive force. Without his catching duties, he can keep himself healthier and more potent with the bat.
[…] Similarly, MLB Trade Rumors noted that Gregg Zaun's recent negative comments may also send him packing, and mentioned the Rockies as a possible destination for the veteran backstop. […]