Hamstring Might Ultimately Plague Coste’s Roster Hopes
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, March 05, 2009 10:29 AM | Comments: 11
Posts, Raising Questions
The storyline suddenly getting attention is of Chris Coste and his hamstring.
The backup catcher is looking to get back into the swing of things by opening night, but he doesn’t want to rush it.
Now, Coste is somewhat embroiled in a battle with Ronny Paulino for the backup spot. However, in his blog, David Murphy recently wrote Coste was the overwhelming favorite. That’s interesting, considering Paulino is getting playing time and Coste is sitting on the side. I would think Paulino has a great shot at usurping the spot from Coste; moreover, there isn’t a bench spot readily available for Coste to fall back on, as myriad players are fighting for what’s left.
Then there’s the idea of trading Coste. It could happen, but it won’t while Coste is injured. Certainly all this isn’t a giant issue considering the Phils have substantial depth in the back, but one has to wonder how much longer Coste really has in a Phillie uniform.
Posts: 0 Andrew R.
I think it is Coste’s spot to lose, but the harsh reality is that is getting awfully crowded in the catcher spot. If Ruiz produces another .240-type season its almost safe to say that coste, paulino and ruiz are equal. Marson can take over, but then who’s the #2?
It sure would be a shame to see Coste go, but he’s got a great story and now a World Series ring to go along with it. I wish him nothing but the best no matter what happens. He’ll always be a Philly guy.
Posted: 10:50 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Geoff
Paulino has won that number two spot so far. Coste hasnt played at all or shown anything to indicate hes going to take that spot away frmo Paulino, who has been hitting well recently.
Posted: 11:04 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
Coste’s a great guy and an even better club house presence but honestly the only spot I think he’s even competing for is the right handed bench bat and possibly back up 1st baseman since a right hander would be a good sub for giving Howard a day off against a tough lefty. Cairo or Mayberry may get that job since both are more than likely can play 1st plus at least 2 other positions easily, with Cairo a more viable 2nd utility man behind bruntlett, but mayberry packing more pop in his bat. I do wish Coste well where ever he ends up he’s a stand up guy and deserves a MLB roster spot somewhere.
Posted: 11:07 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck P
I think that they’re really trying to move Coste… I’ve been saying that for a while… I don’t think that the Phillies are fooling anyone, though. Everyone knows that we “need” to move him more than any team is going to “need” an aging backstop. He has battled injuries for a good part of his career and when he’s not healthy, he’s not good. When he’s healthy, he can be a solid clutch hitter… defensively, he’s average. I think that he’s better suited for 1B or DH where he’s not putting as much stress on his frame.
Posted: 11:10 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Chutley
I love Coste and everything but Baseball is a business. See ya Pal. LEt Paulino come up for a year year and a half to learn how to catch this staff from Ruiz and then if he produces let the future move in. We liked Thome and Polanco but look who we have now. I would have Paulino be the back up this year and then i’d have him and Ruiz split time at the begginning of next year. Coste has a Ring, a book, and a hell of a lot of stories to tell his grandkids.
Posted: 11:11 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 JohnKruksLoveChild
I was really sorry to see Sal Fasano go, maybe he wasn’t the best, but he seemed like a great clubhouse guy and had heart. Coaste strikes me the same way, maybe not the best player, but someone with a narrative and drive that brings an intangible to the team.
The reality is that decisions have to be made based on production, statistics, etc. But it seems like a shame when the guys who represent the spirit of the game have to be pushed to the side for bigger and better.
Posted: 11:16 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
That sick, sick homerun vs the Mets very late in the game that gave us that incredible win… Thank you, Chris Coste.
Posted: 11:23 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Evan
Coste isn’t bad defensively and he’s a better hitter than Ruiz. Its still early in ST and he’s only taking a week off. You guys are jumping the gun by crowning Paulino the Phils’ backup catcher. The Phils have been projecting an attitude of sticking with veterans to start the season rather than bringing up anyone from AAA.
That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s dealt before the end of the season if he does get the roster spot.
Posted: 11:38 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Ryan S
Coste has the stats to back it up. He’s a solid player especially a solid backup. When he’s given playing time, his BA goes up along with his other stats. Let’s not be too hasty on giving him the boot because he hasn’t played 1 week in ST.
It’s still too early to start talking about trading or getting rid of guys.
On a similar note, we should all lay off Werth. Yes, Mayberry is having a strong spring, but he’s having a strong spring without pitchers really showing their whole arsenal. So, we need to see how he does in the weeks to come. Werth is a really good player. We haven’t seen Werth (sans 1 game) and Coste in ST yet, and we’re all tossing them to the side.
Posted: 11:49 AM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck P
As far as I can tell, the only main difference between the two is age… For a team that can afford to rest him and let him get healthy, it’s worth having him around as a backup catcher down the stretch. He can put the ball in play… I just don’t think that we need to use up a roster spot because we have Paulino.
Age:
Coste = 36 y/o
Paulino = 27 y/o
MLB Career BA:
Coste = .288
Paulino = .278
FP (%)
Coste = .993
Paulino = .990
Runners caught stealing (%)
Coste = .22 (25/109)
Paulino = .30 (73/238)
Vs. LH:
Coste: .316, .503 SLG, .864 OPS
Paulino: .355, .498 SLG, .915 OPS
Posted: 12:11 PM on March 5, 2009
Posts: 0 Phan in TN
I don’t have numbers. I’m a phillies phan. I really don’t want Coste traded. In my MLB the Show 08, he is my alt catcher but I’m the ace pitcher.
Posted: 01:55 PM on March 5, 2009