Cubs Offseason 2014: So, what did your team do this offseason? Isn't that cute.

[InternetApex]

I can't wait to find out of pitch-framing is a thing or not.

[Eli]

I can't wait to find out of pitch-framing is a thing or not.

I'd also be interested to hear what Theo and Jed have to say about it, if anyone from the local media would bother doing their jobs and asking them. I know Maddon said a few years ago that Jose Molina saved like 50 runs (~5 wins) a year with his pitch framing, so he's clearly into it, but most people actually in baseball haven't publicly said a whole lot. I'm sure that's because they're trying to protect their competitive advantages, but what about us?

[Quality Start Machine]

When you've got catchers at the major league level, they all keep their gloves really steady, and occasionally are able to snatch a ball out of the strike zone into it. While maybe Montero and Ross are really good at it, I don't think the gap between the best and worst in the majors can be all that substantial from an analytic standpoint.

That being said, if the umpires give catchers with reputations as good framers the benefit of the doubt on close pitches, the Cubs have got something.

[SKO]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

[PenFoe]

It's early yet, but in Winter Ball in PR, Baez has 6 Ks in 11 ABs.

Baez currently at .409/.462/.773 through 22 ABs. 
2 homers. 

Oh and yeah...9 Ks.

So, the good news is that he's only struck out 3 times in the last 11 ABs. 

And that he's hitting the shit out of the ball.
Against crappy pitching, but still.  Better than struggling.

[Quality Start Machine]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

[Eli]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

[SKO]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

How do they earn this reputation? If it's just a reputational thing I suggest we start saying it about every catcher in the system.

I heard Kyle Schwarber is so well known for his beautiful framing that he's been contacted by the Louvre.

[Quality Start Machine]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

Pitchers for sure. Remember the Atlanta strike zone in the 90s?

[Eli]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

Pitchers for sure. Remember the Atlanta strike zone in the 90s?

I do, which reminds me of this hottest of takes.

[Quality Start Machine]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

Pitchers for sure. Remember the Atlanta strike zone in the 90s?

I do, which reminds me of this hottest of takes.

I am a picky hitter myself in slowpitch softball.

[PenFoe]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

Pitchers for sure. Remember the Atlanta strike zone in the 90s?

I do, which reminds me of this hottest of takes.

Edit:  A FACE that only TEC could love.

[Brownie]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

I think it's more a matter of reputation than actual function, Cutler-boy.

Pitcher reputation or catcher reputation?

Pitchers for sure. Remember the Atlanta strike zone in the 90s?

I do, which reminds me of this hottest of takes.

So, did Ted Williams or Wade Boggs or Tony Gwynn, by taking pitches, "cheat" too, as not even Doug Harvey would call three straight pitches strikes on a guy like Gwynn.

[Oleg]

I do, which reminds me of this hottest of takes.

Why did you just make me read that?!?!?!?

[CBStew]

I'm with Fork. I don't think pitch framing means anything, but if these guys are really good at pitch framing, then maybe it means something.

Didn't know what this "pitch framing" was.  So I looked it up.  Apparently it means blaming the pitch for your inability to hit it.  As in,  "It wasn't my fault.  The pitcher must be loading the ball up with something."