Finding Value: Eric Fryer

Agreed' date=' valid points. However, we are talking about a very real exception.

 

If lightning strikes again, wonderful. But there is usually a reason someone has not had their shot to this point. I have no problem with signing Fryer to lock him up for depth and help at AAA to help the pitchers there. Though I do have trouble with his taking up a place on the 40 man.

 

BUT, a later developing Butera with a better bat wouldn't be a bad thing. I still think we're talking about a solid AAA player and injury call-up.[/quote']

 

This isn't a real exception or about lightning striking. This is about how skill sets translate to the majors. Fryer offers the same two skill sets that Hanigan, A.J. Ellis, Derek Norris, and David Ross do. They all draw walks and are also great defensively behind the plate.

 

To even put Butera's name in the conversation just isn't right. Butera has a minor league OPS of .607, a full 155 points below Fryer's career mark. By the way, Butera just got a new one year deal with the Dodgers for 700,000.

 

This is where the game is going. Good defensive catchers are at a premium, especially if they can hit a little. Why do you think Jose Molina just got 2 years when he can't hit, and is probably the slowest base runner in baseball.

 

The fact that Fryer has some pop, draws walks and is an average base runner is why he can be successful. Not as an impact player, but as a part time player who adds value to a team.

Ok so if we dont add anyone and like last years centerfield fiasco, then what?

Nowhere did I say Fryer should be our everyday starter. Ryan Hanigan has never been a full time player, his career high in PA is 371.

What scares people off of Fryer was his performance in AAA. He's had nearly 500 PA there and just a .208 BA. It is true that prior to AAA' date=' he had quite a bit of success, and it's also true that his OBP in AAA is a more reasonable .312. But it isn't clear that a guy who can't hit AAA pitchers is going to be able to draw walks against major leaguers.

 

So I think you raise some interesting points regarding Fryer, and I'll be much more interested in tracking him now. But to me he is a "wait and see" guy, so another signing still makes sense.[/quote']

 

Valid point. That .208/.312/.313 line isn't pretty. Few things though.

 

In 2011 Fryer was sporting a .262/.377/.446 slash line in AAA before he was called up to the majors. In the 6 weeks on the major league team, he received 29 plate appearances. When he was sent back down he hit .132/.281/.151.

 

In 2012, he was battling a shoulder injury all year. Hence the slash line, along with his caught stealing rate dropping down to 10%.

 

His 2013 AAA numbers are more in line with his career numbers. 14.4% walk rate with a .140 ISO. Unfortunately he had a .221 BABIP.

I'm in the 'I'm not wielding a pitchfork because Eric Fryer signed a split contract' club. I wish he batted left handed and I wish he had a little better track record. That's all.