An argument about which ball is harder to block isn't really the point. There are lots of catchers in MLB and MiLB who do a very good job of blocking, using proper blocking mechanics. In comparison with those catchers, Wilson Contreras' blocking skills are sub-par for the level he is playing. As GM said, you would think his blocking mechanics would have been corrected before he got to this level. There are things about his game behind that I really like. Blocking isn't anywhere near being on that list. The first time my DW saw Contreras do his goofy 1-legged block, she asked, "What the hell is he doing?" I think my dog even cocked his head to the side a bit.
It NeverCeases to Amaze Me How Appalling Most MLB catching Mechanics are.
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I would never bother to argue over the internet. That's completely ridiculous and a massive waste of time. I was simply stating a contradictory response because of the amount of experience I have behind the plate for both softball and baseball.
Catchers at any high-level spend a large amount of time perfecting their craft. They do a ton of blocking and understand how to do this like no other person in the world. They are highly trained and the best of their business. Blocking a 78 mph Change-Up will make anyone look like an MVP. Blocking a 98 mph fastball will make you look like a fool. A major league fastball covers a massive amount of ground in a very short period of time. If it dives Within a few feet of the plate you can't even see it. You're lucky if you see a blur. Even mentioning that they should be blocking a ball like that makes no sense. Its akin to someone questioning why a player whos in a MLB lineup while batting .250. That comes from someone who's never a player at a high level. Anyone who ha been in that situation will certainly agree with me. Catching a maestro like Greg Maddux is a rarity. He is very predictable and you will never lose sleep after a night of catching him. Chapman on the other hand is a different story. He would make your grandmother have nightmares just watching you on television.
Catching a softball from a man or woman is far easier because of the reduced movement, release point, and a huge yellow ball. They're incredibly impressive, but not in the same boat. If it were MLB would be scattered with former Fastpitch catchers. That's not the case.
Catchers at any high-level spend a large amount of time perfecting their craft. They do a ton of blocking and understand how to do this like no other person in the world. They are highly trained and the best of their business. Blocking a 78 mph Change-Up will make anyone look like an MVP. Blocking a 98 mph fastball will make you look like a fool. A major league fastball covers a massive amount of ground in a very short period of time. If it dives Within a few feet of the plate you can't even see it. You're lucky if you see a blur. Even mentioning that they should be blocking a ball like that makes no sense. Its akin to someone questioning why a player whos in a MLB lineup while batting .250. That comes from someone who's never a player at a high level. Anyone who ha been in that situation will certainly agree with me. Catching a maestro like Greg Maddux is a rarity. He is very predictable and you will never lose sleep after a night of catching him. Chapman on the other hand is a different story. He would make your grandmother have nightmares just watching you on television.
Catching a softball from a man or woman is far easier because of the reduced movement, release point, and a huge yellow ball. They're incredibly impressive, but not in the same boat. If it were MLB would be scattered with former Fastpitch catchers. That's not the case.
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Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Who said it was easy? If it is as hard for a catcher to catch a called pitch from a high level pitcher as your making it out to be, then how come MLB hitters, not knowing what pitch is coming, can hit them?
Regardless, Contreras blocking is about as good as you'd expect from a third baseman put behind the plate because of his arm and bat and a far cry from world class.
Cannonball
Ex "Expert"
- Feb 25, 2009
- 4,881
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I coached a few pitchers who have pitched in MLB. To be honest, I was a back up catcher with ok technique and only caught when our catcher was too soft to catch in 100+ degree DHs. I somehow got to catch both games. LOL Anyway, on those semi pro teams, I caught 3 guys that made it to AAA. As hard as it might be to believe, I really struggled with the guys who made it to MLB. Their balls had such wicked movement. Of course I was a little older by then and a HS coach. Take my observation for what it is worth. (Not much.)
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
625, Hawk et. al., - apologizing and trying to play nice now to continue the discussion (not argument 
), the questions at issue seem to be:
1. Are high-level pitchers harder to catch than non high-level pitchers?
2. Is it harder to block in BB or FP softball?
3. Is blocking mental or physical?
3. Does Contreras block well/use good blocking technique?
Here are my thoughts.
1. Looking at only from a BB standpoint, because that's what we seem to be most familiar with. High-level = pros only? Or MLB only? Regardless, what separates high-level from low-level IMO is control/consistency. IMO, there is no shortage of arms out there that have the velocity and/or movement to be high level, but never make it to that level because they lack command to throw strikes consistently enough to be effective. In other words, these non high-level pitchers miss their spots more frequently and by more distance than high-level pitchers. It is this context that I believe that high-level pitchers are easier to catch than non high-level pitchers. My perspective is based on having caught 5 college pitchers that subsequently played MiLB or had a brief cup in MLB. None threw over 94, but had respectable sliders, 2-seamers, etc and one with a heavy forkball/splitter. Excepting that forkball, all were easier to catch than the others who threw as hard or not, but had no idea where the ball was going. No doubt that Chapman w/ his ave 100.4 FB and 88.2 SL wouldn't be easy.
2. BB. I can buy into this on this basis that the break/movement is greater than a SB.
3. Blocking is a physical skill. The committed mindset to be prepared to block when needed is a basic requirement of any serious catcher. Blocking requires much time and practice. Better technique results in more successful blocks. Without regard to WP v. PB scorekeeping, a good blocking catcher reduces the number of bases runners advance on pitchers in the dirt.
4. No. There is major room for improvement.
Agree/disagree and why?
), the questions at issue seem to be:1. Are high-level pitchers harder to catch than non high-level pitchers?
2. Is it harder to block in BB or FP softball?
3. Is blocking mental or physical?
3. Does Contreras block well/use good blocking technique?
Here are my thoughts.
1. Looking at only from a BB standpoint, because that's what we seem to be most familiar with. High-level = pros only? Or MLB only? Regardless, what separates high-level from low-level IMO is control/consistency. IMO, there is no shortage of arms out there that have the velocity and/or movement to be high level, but never make it to that level because they lack command to throw strikes consistently enough to be effective. In other words, these non high-level pitchers miss their spots more frequently and by more distance than high-level pitchers. It is this context that I believe that high-level pitchers are easier to catch than non high-level pitchers. My perspective is based on having caught 5 college pitchers that subsequently played MiLB or had a brief cup in MLB. None threw over 94, but had respectable sliders, 2-seamers, etc and one with a heavy forkball/splitter. Excepting that forkball, all were easier to catch than the others who threw as hard or not, but had no idea where the ball was going. No doubt that Chapman w/ his ave 100.4 FB and 88.2 SL wouldn't be easy.
2. BB. I can buy into this on this basis that the break/movement is greater than a SB.
3. Blocking is a physical skill. The committed mindset to be prepared to block when needed is a basic requirement of any serious catcher. Blocking requires much time and practice. Better technique results in more successful blocks. Without regard to WP v. PB scorekeeping, a good blocking catcher reduces the number of bases runners advance on pitchers in the dirt.
4. No. There is major room for improvement.
Agree/disagree and why?
