[LCHSbulldogsalum]

I have a question for dawgfan. In your opinion, if you was the coach do you really believe that Andrew Wheeler has a better arm than Morgan? Because the arm and his "lack of effort seems to be your primary focus here". I have NEVER seen Morgan not give all he has on every play. I will agree he doesn't have the arm strength that a good catcher should have, but neither does Wheeler. Then you have to compare the 2 in other aspects. I'll break them down.
Base running- Miller advantage
Hitting- Miller advantage
Fielding- Miller advantage
Throwing- that's a toss up. No advantage either way
Controlling the infield- Miller advantage
Knowing where to be in each situation- Miller advantage
More of a vocal leader- Miller advantage
I don't see how anyone could justify, even if your right that he had a lack of effort on particular plays or he allowed to many stolen bases, that Wheeler is a better candidate for the position. I'm not saying Miller is a terrific catcher, but of the 2 he is definitely the better choice. Neither of the 2 are even comparable to Gamble from JC, Crisp from AC, Burchell from PHS. Those 3 are the best 3 in the region with Gamble being the best of those 3. Now IMO Josh Cantrell is a great catcher and can hold his own with any of these others I just named.

First off, how can you same someone is a "great catcher" when he has logged ZERO or very few innings in varsity action behind the plate? Cantrell caught JV for his 8th and 9th grade seasons. Was the backup catcher and didn't play but a couple of innings behind the plate in mop up time. Not downing the kid, but just pointing out that someone isn't "great" if they haven't played it in varsity yet. Besides, it's a moot point. He is needed on the mound, and won't be catching and that is not an option. Pitching and catching doesn't mix well, especially with someone coming off arm surgery.

I only watched a handful of games last year. But, the ones I did watch, Miller gave pretty good effort. I wouldn't say he gave everything he had. I saw a few plays in which he gave little or no effort. One in particular that I remember was a throw from the OF that was a bit up the line. He didn't even attempt to catch it, instead letting it go to the backstop and 2 runners advanced.

Arm strength? I've seen both Wheeler and Miller throw from a distance (Bulldog lane). It appears to me that Wheeler has a very good arm from behind the plate. However, he's slow getting rid of it. Miller has a good arm as well, but isn't as accurate as Wheeler. But, he is quicker in his release.

Offense? Miller hands down. But if Wheeler does catch, he will not be hitting. He will be DH for in my opinion.


All this is a non-argument. The best player will play. Plain and simple. The coaching staff at LC don't play favorites. They play the best player or the players that give them the best effort, attitude, and performances and gives the TEAM a chance to win every game. No hidden agendas.