with the the classic dilemma of playing the seasoned veteran or the young up-and-comer, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has done a great job at finding a healthy balance of offensive production and defensive reliability from catchers Rod Barajas and Michael McKenry at a position the team has struggled to find production from in the past.

While there is the criticism that Barajas is not hitting enough to warrant continued regular action behind the plate (he's only hitting .200), he is far too important to the psyche of the collective Pirates pitching staff to significantly downgrade his playing time.

With a staff ERA of 3.70, the Pirates rank fifth in the National League thanks in part to Barajas' game-calling experience.

Being able to manage a game is one of the most underrated attributes of a catcher, and a key ingredient in championship-caliber baseball teams; just ask Tony La Russa and Terry Francona. Both of them had defensive-minded ...

Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - MLB By Shane McFarland