2015 Expectations: Catcher

[nsacpi]

We're lucky to have two coveted catchers at the major league level. Here is what I would expect from each in 2015 if they were the full-time catcher:

Gattis: .830 OPS and 3.5 WAR

Bethancourt: .630 OPS 1.5 WAR

To me the choice between the two is simple. If you expect to contend in 2015 you keep Gattis and trade Bethancourt for players who can help you at the major league level. If you are rebuilding, trade Gattis for young cost-controlled players or prospects and take the chance Bethancourt will realize his upside. I'm not opposed to keeping both. But we don't have much in the way of trade chips outside these two.

[cajunrevenge]

I don't see why we can't have both. Other than both being right handed hitters they complement each other perfectly. We just need an emergency third catcher so they can be used right. Bethancourt has impressed me but I would like to see him split catching duties 50/50 his first full year. Gattis should start in left when/if Hale starts, backup 1b, and be an ace pinch hitter. That will get him 400+ at bats. We can't afford to lose him unless trading him brings back brings back offensive upgrades at other positions.

One idea I really like is trying to get McCann back in exchange for BJ. Brian was a big offensive disappointment and is owed a lot more than BJ. Brian can serve as a mentor for CB and transition into a backup role. A lot for a backup catcher but it's a lot better than paying BJ.

[VirginiaBrave]

Keep CB. Homeruns are great but that's all Gattis really is and I understand that we need offense. But, he is your most valuable trade piece if you are set on having Upton the younger and Heyward in your outfield. Do the smart thing a hold on to the guy with the upside and forget the homers. I would hate to see him be the next Brett Butler or Adam Wainwright a guy we would regret trading for the next 10 years.

[50PoundHead]

I'm with cajun. I don't see why we can't keep both. They complement each other well. It would be nice to have a third guy who plays other positions as well (I'm thinking someone like Brayan Pena or Chris Herrmann), but those guys are extremely rare these days.

[Enscheff]

I would also keep both. Gattis starts about 60% of the games at C, every game as DH, and is the primary PHer when he isn't starting. That comes out to about 350 ABs as catcher, 50 as DH, and another 30 or so as a PHer for a total close to 450 ABs. All for the cool price of $500k.

Unless some team is willing to give the Braves a young impact player with 3-4 years of control that can play 3B, 2B, OF or SP, I think it makes zero sense to trade Gattis.

CB is a great option for backup and defensive replacement late in games, especially if Gattis is replaced by a pinch runner late in a game.

[bravesnumberone]

If we're not going to trade one of them, we need to commit to having them both on the full-time roster. And if BJ is going to remain, give Gattis 2-3 games in left a week, while CB catches.

[Enscheff]

If we're not going to trade one of them, we need to commit to having them both on the full-time roster. And if BJ is going to remain, give Gattis 2-3 games in left a week, while CB catches.

If there is enough playing time in LF for Gattis to start 2-3 games per week then the OF was not properly addressed and the team isn't going to compete next year anyways.

[bravesnumberone]

If there is enough playing time in LF for Gattis to start 2-3 games per week then the OF was not properly addressed and the team isn't going to compete next year anyways.

I agree with that. But does anyone realistically think we can put BJ anywhere?