The way the process works is exactly as I said. At the HS and college level most coaches call the pitches. Working with staff and calling games is a learned behavior.
Yes and no. Some just get it. Or are a natural. I believe it ties to communication. If the catcher is a good communicator then he will get on the same page faster.
There are other factors like watching video on hitters and scouting reports.
But it goes beyond just basic talent
A catcher is more like a quarterback where it takes time do develop. It is not a position where a player can just get by on talent alone.
So I think Schwarber has the mentality for the job. I believe he will be the type to dive into the video and scouting parts of the game. He seems the 100% effort type.
The blocking ability. Don't know to be honest. That most likely will be a weighing factor.
It comes down to the staff then. Are they around the plate where framing plays more. Or do they depend trick pitches more?
Areieta and Lester are around the plate. Hammel has a good slider but he is around the plate also. Hendricks has a change that drops. But is around the plate.
Over all all 4 benefit more from framing more than blocking. Just the way it is.
That said: Cubs have Montero under control for a few years. There is no 'need' to find his heir. It would make more sense to push Schwarber to LF and keep status que. let Schwarber take notes for a few years then make that decision later.
The way I feel about it is I want his bat in the line up. It is not about him being a catcher or not. That is based off the team sucking at generating runs.
Now if Baez gets healthy and the fit him in and it impacts run generation instead then I'm fine with Schwarber maturing.
