Merry Christmas! Alex Avila is coming back!!!!

I picked up my iPod yesterday and had a notification from my wonderful TigersXtra app: Tigers sign Alex Avila to a 1-year deal.


To give you an idea of my reaction..

After enthusiastically sharing the news with my brother, I texted my friend to share the good news. He was not so excited and I'm sure a lot of people share his opinion.

Your view on Alex Avila depends on whether you focus on his offense or defense. I will not pretend he is a great hitter (although he can be clutch). Then again, he's a CATCHER. Isn't that kind of the rule for catchers - that they don't hit? Come on, not everyone can have Salvador Perez. 

Some numbers from last year: Avila hit .213 (keeping in mind injuries). That's pretty bad. But what about his on-base percentage? Last season, it was .359. Anyone seen Moneyball? 

He gets on base.

Whatever his deficiencies at the plate, it seems well worth it for his excellence BEHIND the plate. Avila is a very, very, very good defensive catcher. He called games well for years and Jim Price (who was a catcher) would talk about this and that great things Alex was doing. Avila knows his stuff and that knowledge is born from years of experience. 

If nothing else, think of what a great thing this is for James McCann. He will get another season with Avila to pick his brain, watch him catch, and overall learn and grow. I really like McCann; he's done a great job. But remember that this will only be his third year in the pros and he'll likely be working with several pitchers almost as green as he is. Avila will be for McCann what Rodriguez is for Rondon. 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Come on people! It's not like we signed him for a long-term contract! It's a one year deal for a lefty, backup catcher who will bring veteran experience. Chill! There would be people mad if we had signed Matt Wieters because he would have been much more expensive, I'm sure. We are trying to avoid a luxury tax here in Detroit. 

It saddens me that people complain no matter what. You can't please everyone. Al Avila and the Tigers thought that resigning Alex Avila would be the best thing for the TEAM. Alex brings experience of the game and this team as well as a veteran presence tot he clubhouse. He's here, personally I'm happy about it, and LET'S GO TIGERS!