I don't think Molina in his prime was playing less than 75% of a season barring injury. Kelly is just 24 years old so it not like he's about to break, he's only played in 80 games so far this season.
Are we talking about the same Avila who last year most of us were calling for an end to his time in ARZ and is hitting .234 on the year?
Avila, at best, is a backup, but is still being used as too much of a regular starting catcher rotation player.
He looks like a hitter at the plate. It is tempting. But despite being given many, many chances, he has not delivered.
His biggest contribution is that he draws a lot of walks hitting ahead of the pitcher. That does not help the team.
In the same situation, Kelly gets hits . . . and clutch hits. He drove in the only runs in our win vs. the Dodgers.
Avila should be used for day games following night games. And starting no more than once every five games. Especially
if one certain pitcher requests him. Even then, not if we are facing a lefty pitcher. Actually, with Greinke gone, no D-back
starting pitcher has earned the right to name his personal catcher.
Lovullo needs to show some intelligence in sizing up situations. But therein lies the problem. He sets plans far in advance
based on favorites and is inflexible. He's a nice guy. Too nice. And is responsible for losing as many games as we win, with
no improvement as the season winds down.
