Thanks to everyone for the blog comments and e-mails about Chris Coste. I'll ask GM Pat Gillick and others about Coste's status, as soon as the Phils finalize their deal with Rod Barajas, which should be any day. For now, here's my take:
There should be no doubt Coste can play in the majors. His performance in spring training (.463, three homers, 11 RBIs) was one thing. To back it up by batting .328 with seven homers and 32 RBIs in 65 regular-season games was impressive. Coste is also a super guy, probably the best quote in the clubhouse, which makes him easy to like from where I stand.
Even with Barajas, there's a place on this team for Coste. Since he was never regarded as a prospect, one of things he's always done well is pinch-hit. After doing that for most of his own playing career, Charlie Manuel knows how difficult pinch-hitting can be (just ask Alex Gonzalez or David Dellucci). Coste, who will be 34 by Opening Day, also plays three positions (C, 1B, 3B), versatility that increases his value to the Phillies. If only he was a relief pitcher, too.
Unfortunately, he may have to win a job in spring training. There are five spots on the bench, and barring a trade, four are taken by Abraham Nunez, Jeff Conine, Jayson Werth and backup catcher Carlos Ruiz. The Phils are still looking for a lefty bat, and Coste hits right-handed, which doesn't bode well for him.
But there's still a lot of time before Opening Day. Somehow, I can't see Coste not being on this team.
Please keep the comments and e-mails coming, and happy holidays to all!
3 comments:
Coste also has something some catchers never get, from what I've heard, etc.... the respect of the pitchers he handles.
Bob: A few pitchers - Cory Lidle, in particular - spoke highly of Coste's game-calling ability last season. Lidle, though, was rather low-maintenance and had the conviction to throw whatever pitch he wanted, even if it wasn't the right one. The best thing a catcher could do was stay out of his way.
Usually, pitchers develop a trust with a particular catcher. For Randy Wolf and even Brett Myers, it's Mike Lieberthal. For Jon Lieber, it seemingly was Todd Pratt. I didn't hear any pitchers complain about Coste, and I think Coste surprised Charlie Manuel with how good a catcher he is. Prior to last season, he was considered a utility guy, a decent hitter without a position. Charlie believes Coste is a good enough catcher to play that position, at least on a backup basis, in the majors.
We'll see how this plays out. Keep in mind that Carlos Ruiz isn't a proven commodity. If he flames out, Coste is a nice insurance policy. In the meantime, Coste is valuable in other ways, too.
Happy Holidays to you as well Scott. Enjoy reading the blogs from day to day.
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