Having just finished watching the Jays - Red Sox game today, the pivitol play in the game was when Vernon Wells through out Edgar Renteria at the plate with the basesloaded and nobody out as he attempted to score on a sacrifice fly. When you watch SportsCenter tonight and see this play, most announcer’s will concentrate on the throw by Wells - which was superb - but the real amazing part of the play was Gregg Zaun’s ability to block the plate. The throw was a half second late, but Zaun was a fuckin’ rock and when he got the ball and was belted by Renteria (who should have gone in standing up if he was smart), he just squeezed it and fell backwards like it was nothing. Bam! From bases loaded and nobody out to runners on first and second with two out. It was the turning point in the game.

Now I’m not saying there are not some great defensive catchers today. Arguably, Pudge could be considered the best defensive catcher of all time. But how often today will a team settle for a mediocre defensive catcher for a guy who can put 10 more home runs in the seats? I think its just the way the game is today, but look at the character guys who are behind the dish on teams that are doing well this season. Jason Varitek is the Red Sox captain and leads the team both on and off the field. A.J. Pierzynski has quietly slipped into the leadership role in the White Sox clubhouse and being a Jays fan, the team was not the same when Gregg Zaun was out of the lineup with a concussion earlier in the season. There was just a different sense about them and everyone mentioned Zaun when they were asked why.

So here’s to the catchers…the last line of defense but also the guys who do the dirty work and lead their teams quietly.