Credit the Catcher for a Strikeout?

[Clay Dreslough]

On a strikeout, how much credit should go to the catcher instead of the pitcher (for calling the pitch, framing the pitch, etc.)?

[dabruinss]

i think the catcher is very valuable to a pitching staff. but i still think about 25% is all he should get

[boomboom]

honestly, i think that there should be a number for ERA while he catches....

not a strike out...the catcher is not throwing the ball....also maybe a W-L record too...

[boomboom]

also the catcher most of the time is looking to get an out, and not a strike out....like low and away could turn into a weak grounder to 1b (right handed batter) and vice versa.

[SFSteveG]

honestly, i think that there should be a number for ERA while he catches....

not a strike out...the catcher is not throwing the ball....also maybe a W-L record too...

I like the era and W-L stat for the catcher. I voted for 20 because even if he sets the pitch perfectly the pitcher still controls weather he hits the spot.

[robinhoodnik]

Just give them a strikeouts per batters faced stat? How about also throwing in pitches per batter faced also. It'd maybe show who calls a better game by the pitch count. Pitches per out also could help. Which is better, a catcher who can get you through a whole game with a low pitch count, or a catcher who can get you 9 or 10 strikeouts, in 120 or 130 pitches, in 7 or 8 innings? If you have a weak bullpen I'd take the guy who can keep the good starter in the game longer if my bullpen is not good. Just a suggestion, not meant as sarcasm or criticism.

[anaveragecow]

I really like the W-L idea. It would be similar to in football how a quarterback gets a W-L record...This would show a catcher effectiveness. The only downside is that a catcher with a great staff has a better shot. i.e. Michael Barrett and AJ Pierzynski will probably have a better shot at wins than Toby Hall.

[Scorey1974]

I don't think the W-L stat for catchers is going to prove much. A bad catcher on a very good team is going to have a great W-L record and vice versa. You're going to have to take a pitchers K/9 with each catcher he's been with and see how his numbers change as he's been with different catchers to get any kind of accurate reflection of how much that particular catcher affects the pitcher's success.

[anaveragecow]

good point, that is one of the problems. but you could tell something, i think Jason Varitek is better at managing a game than a lot of the catchers in the league. you could get an accurate reading for that...

[dabruinss]

the won lost idea is the best so far. clay you should act on this 1