The Astros’ actions with respect to Quintero over the last few years could be interpreted that way. I also wonder if Quintero hurt himself with the Astros’ organizaton by blasting the management when he was sent down to AAA.

I was amazed that so many had an OBP below .300. There were very few “good” OBP candidates available. So, .337 probably qualifes as “adept at getting on base” among the available catchers.

Some sabermetric types bash LoDuca, but I think a lot of the bashing is caused by the fact that “traditional” front office types overrate his offense. However, if you get past that and realize that his offense will be better than Quintero, and better than what we had last year, it would be an OK signing. A lot of manager like his intangibles: the leadership factor (which gets ridiculed by some stat types), his pitch calling ability, and his defense. I recall a HT study a few years ago which indicated that Ausmus and LoDuca are similar type defensive catchers who are good at blocking wild pitches. In fact, I would think that LoDuca is a substitute for some of the veteran attributes brought by Ausmus (hopefully, with a bit more offense, though).

I don’t recall the My Space fiasco. However, I do recall that LoDuca went thorugh a messy divorce (from a former San Antonio beauty queen) in which his sex affairs were blared across the NY tabloid press.

you may be right. My thinking is that he is a bigger threat to keeping Quintero off the roster.