Catcher, Catcher

JOSH THOLE - C
2011 stats - .268 BA, 40 RBI, 17 2B

Near the conclusion of the 2010 season, Josh Thole became more than just a part-time catcher for the Mets.  He began getting most of the playing time as the organization was prepping him to become the full-time, in house catcher for the foreseeable future.  Without much of a challenge from a backup catcher in Spring Training last season, Thole took over the full-time duties in 2011.

Known mostly as a slap hitter, a batter who can work the count and draw some walks, Thole had an up and down season behind the plate.  He had 340 at-bats over the course of the season and had a decent average of over .265.  But there was something missing from Thole's game.  The club knew that he was not going to be a power hitter and never expected him to be one.  But there seemed to be a bit too much inconsistency with Thole's game.  Defensively, he was learning on the fly, improving week by week and most of the pitching staff was pleased with the way he called a game.

Coming into 2012, Thole is again the Opening Day starter behind the plate.  The Mets didn't go out this off-season and pick up another catcher and his back, Mike Nickeas, doesn't seem to have enough in his game to unseat Thole.  But that doesn't mean he should sit back on his laurels and not immensely aim at improving his overall game.  The franchise is looking to go younger and of the young group, Thole is one with the most experience.  This is a make or break season for the kid.