FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Q&A with former Yankee Mike Pagliarulo of www.DugoutCentral.com

When we see a pitcher continually shake off a catcher's signs before finally agreeing and pitching the ball, is this ever a game the pitcher and catcher play to throw off the batter?  It seems to me that the batter is going to be guessing the pitch based on the situation, and if the pitcher is continually shaking off the signs, he must start wondering just what is going to be thrown.  If he's uncertain, that would give the pitcher an edge. - Mark J.

Pags: Good question, Mark. Catchers actually have a sign for a "shake-off," which means they make the batter wait. It's a good strategy when facing a hitter like Twins outfielder Delmon Young, who is very aggressive at the plate. There are times when the pitcher and catcher can't get on the same page and there are legitimate "shake-offs." You get some of these when a veteran is throwing to a young catcher. And if I were a rookie pitcher, I certainly wouldn't be shaking off a catcher like Jason Varitek or Jorge Posada. Ever.

Who would be your choice for breakout pitcher for 2008, and please no Yankees. :) - Marty H.

Pags: Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes. Oh, wait, you said "no" Yankees. How about three others: Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers, Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox and Franklin Morales of the Rockies. Kuroda has hasn't played in the US, but his "stuff" is established. He has major league pitches that are graded as being above average. He's also capable of making adjustments to power hitters. Buchholz has "plus pitches" in his repertoire. He doesn't need good control to be an effective major league pitcher, and with the help of a veteran staff and a good pitching coach, Buchholz won't have the problems other rookies will have. It also doesn't hurt to have that level of offensive support and Papelbon at the end of the game. Morales has a very good arm. He's not as polished as the other rookies, but the young lefty has playoff and World Series experience. Considering the Rockies have an excellent defense and the rest of the National League, especially the West, is light offensively, Morales should do well if he can throw strikes.

Who are two young players likely to be rushed to the majors this year, potentially damaging their long-term development? - Sheila

Pags: Matt Wieters of Baltimore and Fernando Martinez of the Mets. Both teams have a history of R&R (rushing and ruining) over the last ten or so years.

How long can Jorge Posada play at a premium level? What do the Yankees need to do now to prepare for his decline and eventual replacement? - Chris H.

Pags: It's doubtful that Posada can repeat his 2007 numbers. He had one of the best offensive seasons ever for a 35-year-old catcher. Look at the numbers for some of the other slugging backstops (Bench, Berra, Piazza, etc.) at that age, then look at Posada's .338/.426/.543. For his offense to stay in the same production ballpark, his legs will need more time off from catching. The Yankees should move him to first base for 2009. Maybe he'll play a few games at first this year, but they have a lot of guys who figure to get some time there. As for a replacement, I'd think of trading for a catching prospect at the lower levels in someone else's organization. I'd evaluate my minor leaguers during Spring Training, find one or two of them that are having a good spring but whom I feel won't add much value at the major league level. Then I'd use them as bait for a catching prospect.