Catching Situation

[Tigers#1]

Why was Mike Rivera demoted, instead of Matt Walbeck?

[Trots]

I didn't know Rivera got sent down, although it had been rumored for a couple of days. As I understand it, here are the reasons Walbeck stayed and Rivera is a Mud Hen.

First, Walbeck has more "presence" than either Inge or Rivera. The veteran backstop calls a better game than either player and had gained the respect of the young, fragile pitching staff. During games you can seem him motioning to pitchers about their mechanics, imploring them to keep their heads in the game and making other subtle reminders. Many point to Walbeck as the reason for the improvement by the starting rotation. Walbeck's leadership behind the plate has also allowed him to gain a measure of control over the entire game (changing the pace of play, moving defensive players, etc...).

Second, Rivera had played poorly behind the plate. Weaver basically asked for anyone but Rivera. In addition, Rivera's bat, which had earned him his promotion had gone south, while Inge has started to hit. As Inge is far superior defensively, and both he and Rivera need to play as often as possible, Rivera was sent back and I'm assuming Inge has returned.

I can't argue with this decision in light of how well the starters have been throwing over the last week and a half. If Walback can continue to invoke that kind of performance from the Tigers' starters (Bernero 8 IP yesterday, Redman CG 4 hitter today), I'm all for letting him stay.

[Tigers#1]

Yeah, i think they've missed that veteran pressence behind the plate, ever since Ausmus was traded. As long as their winning, i don't care who starts, even though Rivera is my favorite of the 3.

[Trots]

I think Inge is my favorite, but like you, I don't care who does the job as long as the Tigers keep winning. I've got to go dump Rivera off my Yahoo! team.