12-14-2020, 03:34 PM
(12-14-2020, 04:45 AM)Forever Spinning Vinyl Wrote: My only problem with Stephenson is that he looks very raw behind the plate. Farmer looked more relaxed and natural as a catcher than Stephenson did. That's probably why it took him 5 years to make it to the bigs after being the 11th overall pick in 2015. I hope he figures it out soon.
Just as it was time to switch from Johnny Edwards to Johnny Bench, it is time to switch from Barnhart or Farmer to Top Pick Stephenson. Stephenson can flat out Hit, and will be an All-Star Catcher many years to come. Many didn't want Don Blasingame replaced by Pete Rose in 1963, or Woody Woodward replaced by Dave Conception in 1970, or Dave Conception or Kurt Stillwell replaced by Barry Larkin in 1987. NOW is the Year to get the Bat of Stephenson in the line-up and I look for him to become an All-Star Catcher many times.
Catcher is a spot you need depth to play some and to warm up pitchers. Barnhardt is needed and Farmer can play Catcher, First, Second, Short, Third, All Outfield so he will Sub many positions and get many at bats helping THE TEAM that way. Still, it is Time to get Stephenson in there as the #1 Catcher playing most of the games, but getting a break now and then as Corrales or Plummer gave Bench. This Stephenson is a STAR rising on the Reds, and they did not draft him high to let him rot on the vine. Had it not been a short and strange Covid 2020 season, we may have seen more of him in 2020. In 2021, he has to Start most of the games. He is 24, and the Time Is Now. Plus, the Reds need a New Star, because the Reds don't Hit very well, very Low batting averages, too many no hit innings.
1968 Bengal Fan
