Norris traded for Gio Gonzalez

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

^^^^

[SB Shock]

Oakland knows they cannot afford Gonzalez are getting what they can for him. Looks like a pretty good deal for the A's.

SP Brad Peacock
C Derek Norris
SP Tommy Milone
RP AJ Cole

[shock10]

Does this make his chances to the bigs any better?

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

I would think so. Oakland has no catching prospects that I am aware of. And if they do I just have never paid attention. He has a really good name among folks that "know" and talk baseball. If I remember correctly he was essentially blocked in Washington.

[RoyalShock]

When Norris was discussed in hypothetical trades with the Royals it sounded like he's been somewhat of a disappointment so far, or at the very least not where he was expected to be. Lot's of subjectivity there, however.

[Ta town]

if he is to play in the bigs some day it will be soley based on defensive ability at catcher (I don't know how his catching is, good/bad?). While he has power he has had a 1/3 strikeout to at bat ratio the last two years. That will only get worse in the bigs.

[small tyme baller]

BA has had him in the Top 100 prospects in the Minors last 2 years if I remember correctly, so he must be doing something correct and showing progress. He still is only 23 so I feel like he has time. I havent seen him play however, since the area code games ... Power has been there but also the strike outs ... but its the intangibles that set him apart (e.g. quick release to 2nd base). He was included in a trade for a damn good pitcher so he stock is still high.

[lawmaker]

Goldstein ranks him 6th in the A's org.

6. Derek Norris, C
DOB: 2/14/89
Height/Weight: 6-0/210
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: Fourth round, 2007, Goddard HS (KS)
2011 Stats: .210/.367/.446 at Double-A (104 G)
Tools Profile: He has plenty of power and is one of the most patient hitters around, but can he hit?

Year in Review: He somehow put up good overall numbers in Double-A despite hitting .210. He was part of the package received from the Nats in the Gonzalez trade.
The Good: Norris is a three true outcomes hitter who had a home run, walk, or strikeout in more than 50 percent of his plate appearances. He has tremendous plate discipline and well above-average raw power, which allows him to make up for a low batting average. He's improved dramatically over the past two years behind the plate; his athleticism has allowed him to become at least an average receiver with an average arm that plays up thanks to a quick release.
The Bad: Norris is just a career .249 hitter in the big leagues, has always had contact issues, and there is little hope in him ever hitting for a high average. He sometimes walks a thin line between patient and passive, where he’ll seem to look for a walk while laying off pitches he could drive.
Ephemera: Norris had a bizarre split of .071/.350/.071 in the sixth innings of games in 2011; he went 2-for-28 with 10 walks and 16 strikeouts.
Perfect World Projection: He’d be Mickey Tettleton with defensive chops.
Fantasy Impact: If your league doesn't count on-base percentage, you're stuck balancing a low batting average with excellent power for a catcher.
Path to the Big Leagues: It depends on the numbers game, but Norris will begin at one of Oakland's two upper-level teams.
ETA: 2013

[JJClamdip]

I would say he will be back in Goddard in a couple of years.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

When Norris was discussed in hypothetical trades with the Royals it sounded like he's been somewhat of a disappointment so far, or at the very least not where he was expected to be. Lot's of subjectivity there, however.

Cant believe I never saw this.

I remember reading those threads. I wouldnt have minded it myself but Im glad Sal is where he is. I like the idea of keeping BP around but the Royals need an additional catcher. If it happens to be a defensive first catcher than...

if he is to play in the bigs some day it will be soley based on defensive ability at catcher (I don't know how his catching is, good/bad?). While he has power he has had a 1/3 strikeout to at bat ratio the last two years. That will only get worse in the bigs.

I think last year he was hurt. Not saying his numbers are going to get drastically better.. but could we be looking at a better defensive better version of John Buck?