Originally Posted by
Deester11
I've seen him a lot. From Orlando to now. He's always had to have a foot up his butt to get going, but he does have a good work ethic. He can be lazy, but when he's in tune at each level, he's been serviceable. I can't defend his time in the big leagues. But he can and I think will improve. Just my opinion. For reference (Atlantabaseballtalk):
Benito Santiago, like Bethancourt, was hyped for having a strong throwing arm, even before he reached the big leagues. In 1987, Santiago’s first full season in the majors, he led the National League in passed balls. He led the league again in 1989 and again in 1993. He allowed 9 passed balls in 1988, 6 in 1990, and 8 in 1991. Oddly enough he didn’t allow any in 1992 but his total jumped to a league-leading 23 in 1993 (though he was with the Marlins and had to catch knuckleballer Charlie Hough in that season). But even if we don’t count 1993, Santiago had 48 in his first 426 games.
Johnny Bench led the league in 1968, his first full season in the majors. In 1969 he gave up 14 and in 1970 he gave up 9.
Ivan Rodriguez came to the majors in 1991 and played in 88 games. He allowed 8 passed balls. In 1992 he allowed 10. In 1993 he allowed 14. He allowed 8 or more passed balls in 7 seasons over the course of his career.
Yadier Molina led the league with 8 passed balls his first full season in 2005. He had 7 in 2006 and 7 in 2007. In 2010 he also had 7 and finished 3rd in the league.
Not saying he will be any of those, but he has allowed 1 passed ball with an error since being down (as of a few weeks ago). That's not the definition of someone who hasn't worked at it.