Lucroy Broken Right Pinky Finger

[milwaukeesportsfan]

Just cut it off. What does a catcher need a pinky for anyway?

[dlk9s]

To signal to the pitcher whether to throw it inside or outside, obviously.

[Warning Track Power]

Looks like the Brewers are going to go all Packers this year with street free agents playing huge roles...Wil Nieves = Erik Walden

[Invader3K]

Latest word is that Lucroy will be out four weeks. Bummer.

[young guns]

Four weeks isn't that bad. I can't imagine him missing much of the season if he's back to catching and hitting in four weeks.

[PrinceEatMeat]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/116773349.html

 

Blog on this from TH. Does anyone know how far before the season you can back date a DL stint, or does it have to start on the day of the first game? I would think that Lucroy will only need the minimum stint on the DL for this. 4 weeks puts him at March 23, which is 8 days before opening day. Might be an outside chance that he could make it back for then, but idk.

[PrinceEatMeat]

Now it's Mike Rivera's time to shine. I hope he tears the cover off the ball and beats out Nieves and Kottaras, because I don't want either on this roster.

[thablingster]

Yeah, I'd say it is likely an outside chance. Considering he'll probably be able to keep his stamina up by running and doing general workouts which don't require the use of his pinky it'll be all about getting his skills (hitting, fielding) up to par. I wouldn't be surprised if they played it safe and had him take a 15 day-DL stint to just make sure he's ready.

 

This is a good opportunity for Rivera/Kottaras/Nieves to show what they've got. I wouldn't be surprised to see DM watching the waiver wire in case anyone semi-serviceable hits the wire, too.

[PrinceEatMeat]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/116773349.html

 

Blog on this from TH. Does anyone know how far before the season you can back date a DL stint, or does it have to start on the day of the first game? I would think that Lucroy will only need the minimum stint on the DL for this. 4 weeks puts him at March 23, which is 8 days before opening day. Might be an outside chance that he could make it back for then, but idk.

Never mind, I've got the answer. A DL stint can be backdated 9 days into spring training as long as the player doesn't appear in a regular spring training game. That might be an option too.

[cheesecup22]

Too bad. But really should not end up being a huge deal.. He will probably miss the first two weeks or so of the season, which we will completely forget about mid-season.

 

While it is too bad he wont be able to get his work in as this is his first full year as a starter, it sounds like he should be able to work with the pitchers some and get to know how they work.

[logan82]

You don't need no stinking pinky. Just ask Ronnie Lott.

[PrinceEatMeat]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/116777079.html

 

Lucroy says that he will catch bullpen sessions for the new pitchers so he can get in sync with them. He will also do everything else that doesn't involve his right hand. He should be back fairly quickly once he's cleared to play.

[DocBrewPack]

Thats what makes the most sense to me. You dont need a right hand to catch pitchers, even if you cant throw the ball back right away. Get aquainted with the new pitchers. I dont see how you can agravate or re-injure a break unless you brake it again which the risk is the same as before.

[sheetskout]

What happens if Lucroy gets one in the dirt? Does he just keep the hand behind him at all costs? Seem like a reflex-thing to me......

[razzzorsharp]

He could wear a boxing glove on his right hand. I am only half-kidding.

[logan82]

So this is our karmic payback for the Wainwright comments. That was quick!

Well we all shine on.

[dlk9s]

He could wear a boxing glove on his right hand. I am only half-kidding.

I figure if he's smart he should definitely wear some sort of protective cast, glove, club, something.

[Funketown]

If I'm the Brewers, I'm going to let the guy take his time and heal the hand. Let him catch a few BP sessions if they see it fit. Lucroy out for two weeks at the start of the season isn't going to have too large of an effect on the Brewers' season.

 

I must say, a healthy Gregg Zaun at a couple million bucks sounds great right about now.

[jjgott]

Didn't Zaun sign with another team?

[GormanHarvey]

I have confidence in Rivera getting it done for a couple weeks if need be. I've always liked him and it sounds like he's very motivated and showed up to camp in great shape.

[Funketown]

Didn't Zaun sign with another team?

Yeah, I think it was the Padres. I'm not sure he's healthy either. I was just pointlessly speculating.

[Roderick]

Thats what makes the most sense to me. You dont need a right hand to catch pitchers, even if you cant throw the ball back right away. Get aquainted with the new pitchers. I dont see how you can agravate or re-injure a break unless you brake it again which the risk is the same as before.

Fairness in information - I'm not a catcher. But, I don't see the big deal about him catching the new pitchers. You call for the inside fastball, you catch it. Nobody is throwing a knuckleball.

 

As for Lucroy learning their tendencies and preferences - isn't that all book work that is done in the clubhouse anyways?

[CheezWizHed]

I'll answer from my extensive years of catching in high school... http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

 

Pitches are not the same from person to person. Fastball, sure is pretty much the same. But curveballs, sliders, etc... all break differently. Plus talking to someone isn't quite the same as catching them, especially in game situations. Also, being able to recognize when someone is off their game a bit, so you can adjust. You can't simulate those types of things around a table.

 

Imagine trying to dance the flamenco by sitting around a table and talking about the steps. Its not the same as live reps.

[Ennder]

There is data that has shown keeping the same catcher a 2nd year improves a pitchers ERA so there is certainly something to it. However there is also tons of data that show the difference is pretty small. It is important for him to get his reps with the real pitchers but it isn't a huge deal, it is a small one.

[monty57]

I'd guess that seeing first-hand how different pitchers' pitches move would help his defense and limit the passed balls. The biggest thing that will keep him in extended ST will probably be getting some ABs against live pitching so he doesn't look completely lost at the plate.