Dbacks sign catcher Alex Avila

[Dback Jon]

https://www.mlb.com/news/alex-avila-d-backs-agree-to-deal/c-265590516

The D-backs have agreed to terms on a contract with free-agent catcher Alex Avila, pending a physical, a baseball source confirmed Tuesday.

The club has not confirmed the deal.

Avila would give the D-backs a much-needed boost behind the plate following the loss of Chris Iannetta to free agency.

The 31-year-old Avila began last season with the Tigers before being traded to the Cubs just prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline. He slashed a combined .264/.387/.447.

Over nine big league seasons, Avila has compiled an OPS of .752.

 

[Ronin]

Arizona Diamondbacks
@Dbacks

Welcome to Arizona, Alex Avila! The #Dbacks have officially agreed to terms on a 2-year contract with the veteran catcher.

 

[Ronin]

Ken Rosenthal
@Ken_Rosenthal

Source: Alex Avila’s deal with the #DBacks is two years, $8.25M. Pending physical.

 

[BC867]

Better offensively than defensively, but we have two other Catchers who fill the role.

 

[Ronin]

Diamondbacks' Alex Avila sees big picture in catcher framing
https://www.azcentral.com/story/spo.../?hootPostID=b05cfe8d3ab3cd09b48e4c8bdfca60de

 

[Dback Jon]

So far he SUCKS!!

 

[TJ]

Our catcher situation is terrible. Mathis is an offensive liability. Avila is just a liability. Not sure about John Ryan Murphy.

Says a lot about what the managers think by having three catchers on the 25-man roster

 

[Bert]

I would much rather be seeing Murphy out there than Avila. Last night we were talking about how slow and lackadaisical he seems out there, then BB said his nickname in the clubhouse is literally; "slow-mo"

 

[Dback Jon]

Hazen's first big miss - not re-signing Iannetta

 

[Shaggy]

Hazen's first big miss - not re-signing Iannetta

No idea why they didn't? He made the most sense between all 3 catchers last year and do the most on offense. I really hated seeing him in a Rookies jersey.

 

[Dback Jon]

No idea why they didn't? He made the most sense between all 3 catchers last year and do the most on offense. I really hated seeing him in a Rookies jersey.

Unless he was dead set on going back to Colorado

 

[Dback Jon]

I tweeted Nick Piecoro on this:

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[Dback Jon]

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[Praxis]

Realmuto would have been a nice upgrade. Murphy and Mathis should get all the starts for now.

 

[Azlen]

Murphy has had a nice game at the plate today. Much better than what Avila has been. Why has Avila been batting in the 5th spot anyway?

 

[BC867]

Murphy has had a nice game at the plate today. Much better than what Avila has been. Why has Avila been batting in the 5th spot anyway?

Because our cleanup and #5 hitters are injured and Avila's reputation as a power hitting Catcher.

 

[TJ]

I hate this cornholio

 

[Shaggy]

Hey, he made up for his bad base running with a solo homerun

 

[overseascardfan]

Couldn't have either the 1B coach or Marrero let Avila know he was right behind him so he knew not to hold up? Communication could have been better because even Marrero looked like he didn't know it was gone yet.

 

[Shaggy]

He was gone but then Avila came back towards first. He looked so lost. I don't think he even knew where the ball was.

 

[Dback Jon]

Worst signing by Hazen

 

[BC867]

PLAYER.....GAMES...AB...BAVG...OBP...SLG%...OPS
Avila............10......27.....148....303....259.....562
Murphy..........8......17.....235....278....647.....925
Mathis...........8......17.....118....118....118.....368

Avila is not our best defensive Catcher. He is supposed to be a power hitter. With a slugging percentage of .259, he is offering nothing.

Murphy should be getting most of the starts. Avila needs to attend some remedial hitting classes. Seriously, why is his hitting so pathetic?

 

[TJ]

No team should have three catchers on its roster. Cut Avila when Lamb or Souza are ready to return.

 

[BC867]

No team should have three catchers on its roster. Cut Avila when Lamb or Souza are ready to return.

I don't agree with that. Not about Avila, but about carrying a third Catcher.

Whether it is for a pinch hitter in a clutch situation, or a lefty/righty switch, making one change at the Catcher position and leaving yourself without a backup is taking a chance. Whether for injury or extra innings. Catcher is the most injury prone and dangerous position. It is taking too much flexibility away from the Manager, especially in the National League.

If the D-backs do cut a Catcher, at least it will be the Manager's decision, rather than a generalization.

 

[devilalum]

This guy was a stain on last nights game. The whole stadium groaned every time he came up to bat.


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