coach32sm

Leave Gamel out there and sign another outfielder, there's plenty to go around and leaving the catchers to catch. And angel actually does have good speed, he lost some when he broke his ankle but he's going to get it back as he has begun working with our track guys, Ed Lovelace and Kevin Young, he'll be flying again!!!! "Coach"

Im hoping he does realize that, it would make al the difference in the world.

We will have lunch on Wednesday, I'm still not back to work yet after my surgery and then he is getting ready to "take it to another level" He's also going to work with an Olympic and a World Record holder in sprints and hurdles who both work with my team, his footwork will improve dramatically and maybe get back or close to his 6.7 sixty from his high school days. He's psyched and ready. Thanks and I will pass on the good words to him, he looks great. And Im glad Lucroy is doing well, it makes for better competition (in the good, team way) for both of them, I hope they push each other in the Spring as my catchers and other position players have always done, it makes a healthy environment where everybody is helping and pushing each other for the good of the team and organization, everybody wins!! "Coach"

Thebruce When I get a young talented catcher I try to teach them all aspects of the mental side of the game. We go through the whole winter trying to learn how to call a game. when the season starts I let them call the game but make certain calls in certain situations and immediately ask them if they know why I did it and explain my thinking in that situation. Angel was below average as a young kid but actually learned quickly and I dont think I called more than a few pitches his last 2 years. We also have a little sign where my catcher will flash to me what is is going to call and I will OK it or shrug it off so he can re- think it. Angel became great and we were always on the same page. When he played his first pro season, I was getting a National award the same time and place as Rodgers. I asked him about Angel and he was in love with his catching and game calling (granted he also was fresh out of HS so who knows his background on that stuff) Our two stud catchers now are very different. One is a Manny bat with an Angel arm 15years old and throws 1.7 but needs work on the game calling stuff. The other kid is a year older a big kid 6'2 250, not as athletic but blocks great and calls a great game. They are al different and require different things to focus on in the off season. The times I've seen Angel in the minor leagues, he always seems to command total respect from his pitchers and be in control, he also called good games, but I had a small sample to choose from, that was why I was always baffled when I heard he was a "bad" catcher in any of his defensive parts of the game. also most of what comes from the dugout is throws to first, stepping off, holding the ball ("freezing" the runner/batter) and all that stuff. you don't see much pitch calling from the dugout. As far as Lucroy, I think they are at equal points at their respected careers but Angel has done it a few more years. The only reason i can see putting Lucroy ahead of angel at this point is to maybe shake him up. I think there may be some feeling that Angel "quit" on his team last year, but in reality, he was hurt and fingers and hands are the worst things to hurt as a catcher and/or batter. He missed ten games and then tried to play, when he struck out twice and looked bad because he really couldn't hold the bat. Money said to him, "That's not you can you play? Do you want to keep playing?) angel is a gamer and said he will do what ever they wanted, but in reality his finger was toast. Lets hope the Lucroy talks motivate him. The worst thing any player can do is to become complacent.We are going to have lunch tomorrow and talk about all this stuff!!!!!!! "Coach"

I havent see Casey enough I was coaching the whole summer in Europe, but when I did see him early in Spring I liked him and said to myself, "hey, he can take somebody's job real fast" He swung the bat well, with authority and with a little pop. Didnt seem to get fooled too much and appeared to make adjustments. If I can remember he looked pretty good with the glove, that was why I thought he could take Bill Hall or Gamels spot. I like him alot and even had him on my Fantasy team (which sucked by the way) As far as Angel. The plan sounds good but would you want to go with 2 back up lifers as your 2 main catchers if you have a good enough team to fight for a playoff spot? How bad can Angel be behind the plate? That is the mistake the Yankees make all the time when they sit Posada for Molina for defense, it's a joke. Posada isnt great but how much will his defense effect the game ? Especially when his spot come up in the line up a few times that can change the game offensively, they get a big out with Molina, then have to fight back, then bring Posada in to pinch hit and play defense at the end of the game anyway. That defense thing isnt as big as you make it, unless it's on the positive side of a game changer like Pudge was when he came up That was the way I expected Salome to be, and still do if he can get his head on straight and do the things that come natural to him. Nobody worries too much about his stick and that should be a BIG plus in that line up and compensate for ANY lack of defense, which Im sure will get better and better as he plays more in the highest level. I think each year his defense has improved and he is always ready to work hard. I know he will be killing himself with us this winter!!! "Coach"

Gamel will be OK if they let him play and let him be!!

Angel is ready, believe me and will be even more so when Feb comes!!!

Yeah it is Chris. He was a 5 tool guy before he had surgery, moved to 1B and then lost a lot of speed due to bulking up so much. He's got a lightning bat and should be in somebodys everyday line up

That sounds like a plan, but again, if they bring up Salome as they did with Braun, in May or June, who is doing the catching until then? My guess, Benji molina, then there will be no need for Salome, keep rivera as the back up once a week or so. If the Brewers don't make a move and believe in their prospects, then Spring Training will be the big test, and yeah what they did with Gamel is what a lot of organizations do to kids and some never recover. I coached a kid on the US team that was a TOP< TOP prospect projected in my books as a 40 130 guy got dicked around in the Arizona chain where he consistently hit 30 and 125 and .300. But they had so many prospects and never brought him up or traded him until recently and now he's with the Red Sox and has the same problem, doesn't look like the same kid to me and I know if he plays he would be a big time hitter. Had Jason Werth once too, but he was a catcher then and he was moved OK then traded to the right place at the right time. "Coach"

That sounds good but I would think the Brewers would want one guy, knowing the other one is available in case of injury or for trade bait, it would be difficult and most improbable to see that scenario but as you indicated it was done with the Diamondbacks, so maybe the Brewcrew will follow the lead and try it. spring training will be a big indicator for both, but as I said I doubt if the front office will sit by and do nothing during the off season when catching is a big hole to fill and the two prospects are unproven so far. "Coach"

Just out of curiosity, how old are you or what is your baseball background, just curious as to how you know about catchers footwork? I have put 2 catchers into the major leagues and had a high catcher draft pick in 08 I I currently have the best catching prospect of 2012 and one at 2011 (platooning with some DH and 1B) all from the same HS, thats pretty amazing and all those kids had to work their butts off with footwork, many struggle and some have a hard time understanding it. Angel was such a great athlete that he had little trouble with his footwork unless he rushed his throws and usually that was because he sometimes just wanted to trust his arm or show it off, it was really never the footwork but the other things. Their are several ways to get into throwing position with your feet, some coaches and some organizations do it differently, I show a variety to my catchers and work on what's best for them and their body type, understandability, athleticism, and other things. angel has changed a few times as to how he "gets there" and we work hard in the off season, he picks things up quickly and understands what he is trying to accomplish. (Now if you're talking about hitting mechanics, that's another story, he doesn't have a clue, he know about hitting but how to get to where he has to be is another story, but it works, again, because of his tremendous strength and athleticism) So in short, what are you seeing that Im not, is it the things you read. I told Angel a long time ago, after he hit 400 in the low minors that many organizations move players slowly (Brewers being one except maybe for Braun) so in that case if you are tearing it up and doing great and they want you to succeed on EACH level they will find fault so you dont ask yourself "why are they not moving me?" If you agent calls and says "hey he was MVP, hit 400, Allstar, hit 360 in AA etc etc. what's taking you so long to move him up?" They will say something like "He needs to work on his defense" That shuts everybody up. Angel was prepared for all negative criticism, but others sometimes don't understand the business side of the game. Lucroy and Angel are both top catching prospect and they will fight it out, I think Angel has a slight edge because he has played at a high level, but neither one will start next year. You dont take a 23 year old prospect and make him a backup. They cant go into 2010 without a starter, they will probably sign Molina. If one of the two guys tears it up in Spring that might change but the Brewers might make a move during the winter. "Coach PS Mike Antonio, my SS will be performing in the Bo Jackson 5 tool challenge today in Jupiter, one of only a few selected (They lost to East Cobb yesterday). Xyruse Martinez hit a game winning 2 run single yesterday and my pitchers should throw today. Nestor Bautista threw a perfect inning on Thursday night. Wish I could have been there instead of sitting here with a cast on my arm and waitng for the results Talk to you soon

I was just reacting to people who probably never saw angel or for that matter many of the op prospects but they have strong opinions. anyway, the next guy you want to watch is my current SS (Mike Antonio)who is one of the top SS in the country and is in Jupiter now at the WWBA championship with one of the top teams in the tourny. He will be one of the top picks and maybe someday a Brewer, our 2B Xyruse (cyrus) Martinez is the next Pedroia (5'9 160) and every bit as good as Antonio but getting over looked because of his size, throws 90 on the mound as well. That's what Im excited about. Cant be in Jupiter this time because our Fall team messed up and didnt qualify so most of the kids are playing with different teams around the country. I couldnt go anyway due to surgery, but keep your eyes opened for those 2 if youre going down there. "Coach"

Let the best man win. I know from a reasonable source that Angel was wanted in the Sabathia trade last year but the Brewers refused and gave up other big prospect instead, as you know, but that was last year a lot of things happen in a year. I have a former player of mine who is in Arizona and is impressed with Lucroy and not to compare the two, but each is different and Angel had a weird year this year. Let's hope he's healthy for Spring training and can show everybody how good he is on both sides of the ball. For those who dont want him around, well if he leaves, and goes somewhere else good luck with whom ever replaces him. If he stays I hope you can appreciate what a great person he is besides the player he is. "Coach"

I love how you guys say he is "horrible" Have you ever seen him? He had the HIGHEST % of throwing out runners in the organization before he hurt his thumb. As far as 2010. My take is that the Brewers will sign Benji Molina for one year, this was supposed to be Angels year but he unfortunately messed up in Spring training and August by being hurt both times when the organization could see he IS ML ready. They will not go into Spring training with an unknown (Salome, Lucroy, Rivera) as their everyday catcher. So they will have both Lucroy and Angel in Spring training and Angel will probably start in ML while Lucroy will be in AAA. I doubt if either will be traded. Corporan an Rivera are organizational backups and valuable at that. But again, please dont jump on the "bad defense" bandwagon. Ask any, well most pitchers who have thrown to him just how good he is, thats what counts. I have and most guys I spoke to in the organization love throwing to him, he receives well, is athletic, calls a good game (contrary to Money's comments) and has a cannon which is finally being harnessed. He will be back in NY next week as he is taking care of some family isuues right now and I promise you, you will see a "Pudge" in his prime, type player next year. Also, stop the "size" thing. size matters with the bat, he hit .400 and hit 360 in AA he can hit so size DOES NOT MATTER, besides he is freakin HUGE, he is just short, so what he is a great athlete. "Coach"

Yes Angel is on the Toros roster in DR but he will not be playing. He will be here in NY getting healthy and ready for early Spring Training "Coach"

My take is that Angel will get a call up in Sept and Lucroy to AAA. If the Brewers are out of it he will play more. I think angel will get every chance next year to be the big league catcher and Lucroy again starting at AAA. Wait until you see Angel every day, his size (or actually height) will never be an issue, he plays big. He has had a great offensive minor league career, not just one season or part of another. He is an RBI machine as was Manny in the minor leagues and look at him now!!He is legit and will be like Pudge (pre- "what ever") I doubt they will trade Angel, from the inside, he was wanted in the CC deal but Cleveland was told flat out "NO" The Brewers brass knows what they have. Lucroy would not be traded either he will have to stay in AAA like Angel did this year, after next year, somebody will move. It doesn't make sense for either of them to sit. Talk to you in a few unless I can get online in Europe, sometimes it's difficult and sloooooooooow!!! "Coach"

Hey guys I was in Europe, just got back to the States for the National NABF Championship in Jackson Mississippi with the New York Team I coach, will be leaving again for Europe on Wednesday but I'm curious, I've been reading for years that Angel Salome is one sided, he hit over .400 he hit .360 in AA! and was always being knocked for his defense for what I don't know, but most of you never saw him play and only went by stats which can always be deceiving. Well this year, he hurt his back in spring training and has been playing hurt most of this year, including a recent finger injury. I wish all you stat guys would look at his stats and see that he has one of the top if not the top percentage of throwing runners out in the organization, higher than Kendall who is there for his defense and not his bat. I think Angel has shown that he is a hard worker and not just a hitter. I hope you get a chance to se him in September and that he is fully healthy because he is you catcher of the future and he is a good one and a great kid as well. Is there anything else you would like to see him accomplish, we can work on it in the off season as we have the last few years!!! Pleas go see him and then make an assessment, he is awesome, and again he is playing with a finger that is almost broken and knowing him it just might be. He played with a broken hand at our Championship game in Shea Stadium his senior year and didnt tell anybody, he's a gamer. Have a great rest of summer and enjoy the baseball. See you in September "Coach"

Congratulations to Angel for his September call up. I would like to be the first one to publicly congratulate him. angel you deserve it, and congrats on the batting title as well. You Brewer fans will get a treat and I hope he's half as good as I promised, with that he will be an Al-Star. I just hope he gets to see some action, contributes and stays. Good job kid!!! "Coach"

PS Take a look at Baseball America with LaPorta on the cover July 23- Aug 10 Page 21 "Biggest Leap Forward" "COACH"

136 ANGEL SALOME GEORGE WASHINGTON HS C R/R 5'7" 190 1986-06-08 HS COMMENT: STRONG LIKE BULL. CHISELED BODY. VERY BROAD SHOULDERS & CHEST, ESPECIALLY FOR SHORT HEIGHT. BUILT LIKE FORMER MAJOR LEAGUER JIMMY WYNN. WEIGHT BACK, KNOCK-KNEED HIT STANCE. MORE STRONG THAN GOOD HIT NOW. PWR IF HE RUNS INTO ONE. LEVEL CUT WHEN KEEPS BACK SHOULDER LEVEL. BLESSED CANNON ARM, AVG ACCURATE. BETTER RAW SPEED THAN MOST CATCHERS, AGGRESSIVE BASE RUNNER. DON'T SEE ARMS LIKE THIS VERY OFTEN. BEST POSITION PLAYER ARM SEEN 15 YRS SCOUTING. This was Angels MLB Scouting report on draft day. Remember I work with most of the big National showcases and Angel was at many of them. He was always the best running catcher and many times one of the fastest runners of all position players as well. You guys are missing the boat with him. But most people just jump on the band wagon anyway. One person writes something and nobody researches it, everybody just tags along. When Manny was drafted it was said he was from the Bronx, it took me forever to correct it, he hated that. But, every report had it cause one guy wrote it. Some people say Salome is from the Bronx and George Washington HS is in the Bronx, both incorrect. Don't write about Angel anymore, wait until he is traded to the AL and is DH'ing and then regret that you lost him. Also, when was that Don Money interview? I'm guessing it was at the start of the season, would be curious to hear what he would say now, maybe the same, maybe worse, who knows? And yes he could be the catcher for the Brewers right now, it would be an improvement. Go to a game and stop sitting around feeding off each other's rediculous and incorrect remarks. See you in September. "Coach"

Where and when did Don Money say anything about Angel's game calling?? The coaches seemed pleased with him the time I spent there. Also why would the manager, who supposedly is criticizing his catcher, let him call his own game when 90% of the catchers in pro ball get the signals from the dugout??? Doesn't make sense to me. As I said, go see him and then give me a report. I did and I was pleasantly surprised!!! Remember I was in pro ball, had several of my HS players go the the show including a catcher and coached in the Minor leagues, so I think I have a little bit of a handle on what I see!!! "Coach"

Hey guys I'm still here coaching over in Europe, will be back after Labor Day. Just reading the posts, you guys are funny!!! Go see angel play and stop reading what everyone says. It's like one person says something and you all jump on the same topic. Firstly Angel has "Great speed" He ran a 6.6 - 6.7 in HS don't forget he had surgery and has pins in his ankle, his running confidence is a little low, but he can run and will probably steal 20 bases in the bigs if they le him run. As far as his defense, he receives and frames very well, who said he doesn't ? I saw him for a week this year. Game calling!!! He calls his own game, who does any more? If he was so bad he wouldn't be. His big problem is his passed balls, and that is a mystery. He didn't have any when I was there and looked great. I'll go see him again and figure it out. Angel will be a real good catcher in the Show, hopefully in Sept or some time next year. As far as his hitting, he does have a great RF approach. So did Manny in HS, al my great hitters do. That is the secret to great hitting. Angel will be a Pudge type hitter (during his "Big body days") Because of his short arms he doesn't get the extension of a 6'2 guy but has the power of one, so many balls go for doubles and not HR's. He has a weird physical approach at the plate and after seeing him I have some answers for him that I will work with him on this winter, he gets his weight out way too early, but does keep his hands back, that's one of the reasons he hits a lot of doubles and not long balls, he's a beast and gets away with it. You guys should stop knocking him and go see him play with your own eyes, or better yet ask his pitching staff or coaches what they think of him, he's a class guy, a hard worker, leader and hell of a player. He wants to succeed so much and at times lets his emotions get the best of him but he's a good kid with a world of catching talent. If the Brewers ever did want to move him, but God knows why they would, he can play 2B or Of with a little bit of work, he's an athlete, a good one. I hope you get to see him in Sept. I sure hope he continues hitting and wins another Batting title and another MVP. Talk to you soon. "COACH"

In case you haven't see it yet look at Baseball America page 34 from this week. Reid Nichols talks a little about angel and his improvement etc. I'm not biased, just honest. He needs work but I know he'll be a great defensive catcher that's for sure. See You soon. "Coach"

Do you know what "pop times are?" There probably isn't a better arm in pro ball than Salome on "pop times" He was off the charts in HS under 1.7. It's not his "pop times" it's a lot of other things, and nobody ever blamed the pitchers. I said pitchers get better at the higher levels on holding runners on. Also, how many games did Corporan play against games Salome played? Angel will be a good catcher. I used to read here that he was a "bad" defensive " catcher now it's only his throwing. It's like a pitcher who throws 98 but walks a lot of batters. The gift is the arm, fixing the other stuff is easy. You cant teach a 81 MPH pitcher to blow people away, but you can fix a catcher with poor release or footwork to throw more accurately. Go see him play a few games, come back and let me know what you think!!!! I'm off to the Regionals for our summer team in a few days, then the WS where we were 3rd in the Nation last year, then I'm off Overseas to coach, so to all, have a good summer. I'll try to keep posted and watching!!! "Coach"

I wish you guys would stop saying his defense is sub par. Go see him then say it. If his throwing (runners out) percentage is low that's a different story, but knowing how he works and how much pride he takes in his game it will get better, again as he moves up the pitchers will hold runners better and Angel will mature as well. He has the cannon he needs to get more confidence that his foot is OK and trust his arm. I'm more concerned with his weight shift and getting onto his front foot too early as a hitter as I am about his defense!!! By the way Jean Carlos Rodriguez our catcher who got drafted this June by the Phillies, I think is 1-2 in throwing runners out, and he loves to throw from his knees.