Was it a good move for the Dodgers to sign Lieberthal?

Question

The Dodgers already have Russell Martin, 23, who in 121 games as a rookie had a .282 Batting Aerage, with 10 Homeruns, 65 RBIs, and 10 Stolen Bases. Lieberthal, 34, on the other hand, in 67 games had a .273 Batting Average, 9 Homeruns, 36 RBIs, and no Stolen Bases. Shouldn't the Dodgers have used the money to sign him for depth at other positions?

Answer 1

Yes. Martin is no doubt the starter and Lieberthal knows this. Nothing but good can come out of the situation. You have a solid backup and a former allstar who can also teach Martin a thing or two.

Answer 2

If the Dodgers had used the money to sign someone for depth at other positions, then who would have backed up Martin. The Dodgers were not going to keep Hall. Martin is a great catcher but you can't expect him to catch all the games in the season. I think it was a good move. I think Lieberthal will be a great mentor for Martin.

Answer 3

Great signing. Like previously said, this is a somewhat cheap backup with tons of experience. Mike is a veteran that can help Martin out. Catching is a brutal position and to think Russell can play all 162 games is ridiculous. And Toby Hall was just not cutting it. Personally, Paul Loduca is still my favorite Dodger.

Answer 4

It is a very good move. Liberthal a really good back up cather costed only 1.25 million dollars. The Dodgers now have a good cathcer playing everyday, and Liberthal would also make a solid pinch hitter. They already have players who are utility players, such as, Ramon Marinez, and James Loney.

Answer 5

I am a life long Dodger fan, and I can tell you the answer to this question. The signing of a backup catcher doesn't mean squat. Backup catchers are to baseball teams what hockey sticks are to football players...pretty useless.

Yeah, you've got to have a backup, but really...if they are good enough to be in the majors, you could sign one of 25 backup catchers and it's probably not going to affect your season one way or the other. He will come through for you a couple of times, and he will fail you a couple of times.

I've seen the Dodgers go through more backup catchers over the years, than I've went through underwear, and I've never cried through the end of another disappointing season singing the praises of, or damning the presence of our backup catcher.

Just sign someone who can wear a mitt, throw down a couple of fingers, and catch the ball. Give him a few hundred grand, and call it a roster...

Answer 6

The answer lies in the question. Lieberthal is post knee surgery (at least one, maybe two) and is consistently an offensive disappointment near the bottom of the order. Don't the Dodgers also have another young prospect by the name of Navarro? Lieberthal is a fair to good handler of pitchers, although he even had trouble seeing eye to eye with Lieber, Philly's ace, on occasion early in 2006.

Lieberthal is a Californian, so it is nice for Lieby to come back home, but this is a waste of even the small amount of money spent on an over the hill mediocre catcher.

Answer 7

Martin had a great rookie season. He could go into a sophomore slump but I don't think so. Lieberthal is a cheap insurance policy. It is a good move.

Answer 8

As a Phillies fan, I'm glad to be rid of him.

He was good in his time, but that was a while ago. I'm sure he'll be a fine backup catcher, but again, I'm glad to see his salary available for younger talent.

Answer 9

in my opinion no it isnt since they already have a great cathcer in Russel Matin. Plus, Martin is very young.

Answer 10

The Dodgers never make good moves. Come on now.