A Big Improvement?

One of the benefits Charles Johnson is supposed to bring to the Dodgers is his superior defense and better pitch-calling behind the plate. But how does he really compare to Mike Piazza when it comes to calling a game? A look at how Dodger pitchers fared in their career with Piazza behind the plate, and with a backup catcher:

Ramon Martinez: with Piazza--3.42 ERA, without Piazza--4.00

Hideo Nomo: with Piazza--3.42 ERA, without Piazza--3.64

Chan Ho Park: with Piazza--3.38 ERA, without Piazza--5.69

Ismael Valdes: with Piazza--2.98 ERA, without Piazza--4.32

All Dodger pitchers (from 1993 until trade date): with Piazza--3.57 ERA, without Piazza--4.17

All Marlin pitchers with Charles Johnson (from 1995 until trade date): with Johnson--4.09 ERA, without Johnson--4.19