Astros outfielder Roger Cedeno, who was trying to steal second. Most big-league catchers are expected to throw the ball to second base in less than 2 seconds. Blanco was much faster. Catching instructor Gary Allenson has been impressed with Blanco's mechanics. When you see a lot of middle infielders, especially the Latin guys, they transfer the ball so quick it's almost like they just use their glove to deflect the ball to their throwing hand.
Henry almost seems to do that.
Most catchers are using a sweep tag on plays at the plate but Blanco uses his body to block the plate and has absorbed a few punishing hits this season. He learned those lessons from Mike Scioscia, who was then a Dodgers catching instructor and is now manager of the Anaheim Angels. I learned everything from him. He told everybody that catcher is the real man position. You've got to block the plate and do whatever it takes to help your teammates.