Keith Law Makes My Valentine’s Day

In today’s chat, the benefactor of my secret admirations, Keith Law, Choo-Choo-Chose my question to answer today which sent me over the moon. I only wish I had asked a better one, but as I do with the ladies, I will take what I can get.

Callum (London, Ontario): Hi Keith, I was wondering about scouting catchers. Do you take into account their ability to “call a game” or is that something too subjective to rate?

 Keith Law: The problem is that catchers at lower levels, especially the amateur level, don’t usually call games. The pitches are called from the bench. That would seem to defeat the developmental purpose of amateur baseball, but those coaches tend to be under the impression that it’s more important to win than to help the kids.

The chat is available to ESPN Insider subscribers here.

P.S. Keith’s answer to a follow up question:

Rick (Boston): Hi Keith, Wouldn’t having an inexperienced catcher calling the game potentially hinder the development of his pitchers?

 Keith Law: Then let the pitcher call the game.