Kyle!

[IU3]

This copied and pasted from a cubs blog

Theo Epstein was on The Score 670 and talked about a number of things One of them was about acquiring an impact pitcher in the next 18-24 months but you knew that already. The other interesting tidbit was about Kyle Schwarber, whom one scout apparently said was as good and possibly better than Kris Bryant. Whaaa? I think that's a nice argument to have. Schwarber has actually out OBP'd and outslugged Bryant in his first pro season. Of course, Schwarber has a tall task to try and match Bryant's second season. Of more practical concern is the increasing likelihood that Schwarber can play catcher. I've mentioned recently that Schwarber's ability to control runners has improved and that his pop times have been in the 1.85-1.95 range. That's MLB quality. You may remember that Kevin Gallo scouted him for the Indians and gave us a fan-friendly version scouting report, Here is what he said about Schwarber's receiving skills at the time, "He shows good receiving skills and moves well behind the plate. He doesn't have a huge arm but makes up for it with a quick release. I think he could stick at catcher at first but would eventually have to move off of it." If Schwarber sticks at catcher, that can have a big impact on the Cubs future. They'll be able to squeeze in an extra LH bat and get great production from the catcher's spot. Schwarber is very much the type of hitter this front office wants in the lineup so they will do whatever they can to get him into the lineup, perhaps as soon as 2016.

 

[biglewexpress]

It's beneficial for both parties for Kyle to stick at catcher. Left handed hitting catchers are hard to find, especially ones that are as offensively gifted as Kyle. In correlation to Bryant, Kyle is projecting to be better offensively. The OBP, slug%, extra base hits, k/bb ratios will always favor Kyle. Bryant still has a lot of swing and miss in his game, Kyle doesn't. There was a reason Kyle hit in the 2 slot at IU, he gets on base, and he had protection behind him in the order to do so. You put Kyle in 2/3 hole with Bryant behind him, that become a formidable middle of the order for the cubs.
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

Good Analysis....remember the physical degradation which comes along with

catching..the knees and hands and fingers take a beating....over time, it may be best for Schwarber to play other than catcher, if simply to protect his health and his bat. If he hits .300, with 30HR and 100 RBI, the Chubs can find a better defensive catcher.