Mathis or Garza?? Who should start?

If healthy the answer has to be Garza but I think you need Mathis to spell him from time to time. It is hard to catch three games in a weekend in May.

I think they'll probably continue to alternate until Garza is 100%, which might not happen this season.

If he's fully healthy, I like Garza for a few reasons. One is that his upside at the plate is much, much higher than Mathis. Another is that I like the way he handles our pitchers. You see him interact with them more, offering encouragement when they need it, praise when they hit their spot and constantly reminding them to keep the ball down. And I think he has a better arm.

Overall, I think Mathis has done a great job considering the situation and he's gotten beat half to death back there. So I really feel for him but the simple fact is that Garza is better right now.

Garza is better at everything. Mathis is healthier.

I go Garza and just pray he returns to his juco form and starts hitting. I love Mathis’s attitude, but not hitting or throwing people out will destroy us in postseason

ETA. We need both, Garza coming off of knee surgery, not in prime shape, Mathis is going to have to catch/relieve some games

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Garza 3 starts a week, mathis 1

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Either this or a 50/50 split depending on the situation.

They're both going to be needed. Garza being able to play will hopefully help Mathis rest up and be better when he's in there. That should positively impact both his hitting and his defense.

I agree. Think mathis will only improve, especially blocking balls not having to catch 27 innings in a weekend and sometimes 18 innings in a day

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Garza MIGHT have a stronger arm but its not significantly stronger.

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He does. There’s no might.

Yeah, i blame our pitchers alot more. His pop time doesnt look bad, and his throws are mostly accurate

Garza looks like a leader and looks comfortable. Throws well too. Give me Garza. Batting average is a toss up.

Hess has never been good holding runners with his high leg kick. Walker is pretty good. Marceaux wasnt good at it in his few outings. Henry hasnt been good at it either. High velo guys with big leg kicks arent going to hold runners as well. But they definitely could pay more attention to it than they have.