Gentlemen and Lady, I agree in principle; the value of a good blocking catcher. In this case, I believe there are a couple of overlooked facts. One, in the scorebook, all balls that land in the dirt prior to "blocking" are "wild pitches", especially this pitch. The ball landed approximately 8" in front of the plate. When this occurs with a spinning breaking ball, there is no way to predict the distance baseballs/softballs bounce to the right after hitting the ground (from the pitcher's view). Additionally, when a ball lands that far in front of the plate, it is at best a guess how high the ball will bounce. In this case, even with Contreras coming up high in his stance to get his body in front of it, the ball hits his left shoulder area prior to going off towards the 3rd base dugout.
I do not want to undermine the premise of this post, because a solid catcher behind the plate is game changing. However, I cannot honestly sit back and have someone criticize Contreras' blocking skills based on that pitch, it was wild. I replayed that pitch many times and cannot agree with your assessment. My assessment in no way diminishes the value you place on a catcher who prides his/her self in their blocking abilities.
I would like to add the value in a great blocking catcher that can pickup those low strikes like Contreras utilizing a less beneficial "Froggie", or lower stance. You may notice he doesn't "Froggie" with runners on, but strategically throughout the game. All of your posts on catcher value is well taken. As for the Cub's curse, I personally would like to see it continue; why end it now? Bill Buckner has give much to baseball here in Boise, Idaho.
A great blocking catcher is certainly nice to have. But not the game changer that a great fielding catcher will provide.
IMO, receiving is the area where the biggest contribution can be made simply because that is where the most opportunities lie every game. Another 5-10 called strikes per game is huge. Many parents and coaches are challenged to recognize the difference between poor, good, great w a catcher's other more obvious skills ( i.e., fielding, throwing, blocking) let alone receiving. The real give away on this skill is when pitchers express a preference to pitch to one of two or more seemingly comparable catchers.
PS I won't even mention the skill of pitch calling
Blocking and receiving are skills that augment the performance of the defense. Neither can be affected by the actions of the offense. On the other hand if a catcher is deficient in fielding that can and will be exploited by the actions of and the offense. The gravy of blocking, receiving, and even pitch calling is great to have but only serves to enhance the meat which is fielding.
Turkey is good on its own, but it is much better with cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatos, peas, and apple pie.
PS I know today is Halloween, but for some unknown reason I already looking forward to Thanksgiving!?
The value of a good blocking catcher is far less important as having a pitcher who isn't throwing pitches that need blocked!!!