1) Not all sabes think catchers don't impact a pitcher's game. I certainly don't think that (I've made several attempts ot quantify the impacts...it's complex because it's hard to define what to EXPECT from a pitcher that the catcher is deflecting away from with his game-calling...most teams only carry two or three catchers in any given year that get significant PT so you can't really compare pitcher/catcher batteries and get a good chunk of innings for both) and I don't think Tom Tango or Bill James think that either.
2) I know you know this, so don't worry...I'm not saying the above defensively or anything...I'm just adding it to the discussion for clarity's sake. I think the reason a lot of sabes dismiss the catcher/pitcher dynamic is that they can't find it. CERA got debunked (and rightfully so) because it's a flawed attempt to capture an elusive signal, and the sabes, unable to think of a good approach, were forced to shrug and move on.
3) I agree on Rob Johnson. I think he's a world series caliber receiver already - I really do. When he starts hitting (and I think he will), it will be a nice bonus. But comparing how Fister looked pitching to Adam Moore (nervous and frequently frustrated) to how he looked today (tremendously confident)...I'd say that despite Moore's POTENTIAL to be an outstanding defensive catcher, he's not won the hearts and minds of his staff yet. In that sense, it may be a good idea to send him back to AAA to hone his game-calling, call up Josh Bard, and give 120 games to Rob Johnson.
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