Catchers: Prospect Watch
In an effort to limit the number of times people use the phrase “sample size” in the comments section, a quick post on which minor league backstops to keep on your radar seems more appropriate than discussing Alex Avila’s .417-4-2-5 batting line through three games. While most rosters are set, save for a few tweaks here and there, there are a number of catchers in the minors that are looking pretty darn good. Dynasty league owners probably have them locked onto rosters already, but in other leagues, they should be known by you in case something goes wrong on the big league level.
Travis D’Arnaud, TOR — Outstanding power potential, solid batting average, a splash of speed and solid defensive skills all have D’Arnaud as the top catching prospect sitting in the minor leagues right now. His plate discipline could use a little adjustment as his strikeout rate has been a bit too high (~21.5%) these last two seasons, but that might be the only real knock on him. He should rip up the PCL this season and could force the Jays into a tough decision. J.P. Arencibia has amazing power as well and it’s hard to believe the team would eventually carry both and work a platoon. Could a trade be coming soon…?
Yasmani Grandal, SD — He was a first round choice by the Reds in the 2010 and raced through their system last year, hitting .305/.401/.500 with 31 doubles and 14 home runs while posting a 13% walk rate across three levels. So when they dangled the 23-year old, switch-hitting backstop in front of the Padres during the Mat Latos negotiations, the San Diego brass jumped at the opportunity. He still has some defensive work to improve upon, but could make a big splash in the majors sooner than later. With Nick Hundley healthy and locked in behind the plate, the Padres can easily afford to be patient with Grandal, but things could change further down the road, especially if he improves defensively and tears up PCL pitching, as most are expecting. There’s also a trade possibility, if you’ve read Dave Cameron’s piece on Hundley’s contract.
Ryan Lavarnway, BOS — The Red Sox had already committed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as their starting backstop and picked up Kelly Shoppach as well to be the back-up. But Lavarnway made it a very tough decision for the team when he posted a .429/.488/.486 slash line this spring (there’s your “sample size” opening…). He hit 34 home runs across three levels, including a late season cup of coffee with the Sox, so you know there’s strong power. The strikeouts are too high and should keep the batting average low, but a strong walk rate will offset them and keep his on-base percentage at a very desirable rate. Salty’s got a suspect glove and Shoppach can really only hit lefties, so if Lavarnway can continue to rake in Triple-A, then he could force a call-up in the near future. Out of the three mentioned in this post, he stands the best chance of being called up first.
Honorable Mention:Â Austin Romine, NYY; Sebastian Valle, PHI; Anthony Recker, OAK
I think Hector Sanchez has potential to be quite good as well, at least better than Romine. Any thoughts on him?
I do like Hector Sanchez and love the fact that the Giants have him up with the big club. However, with Posey entrenched behind the plate, I don’t see him getting enough of a chance to shine right now. Sure, he’ll get some time when Posey needs a day off or when they do eventually plug him in at first, but will it be enough to warrant fantasy relevance? Maybe in a two-catcher, NL-only league, but even that might be stretching it a bit much.
Should be interesting to track the progress of Tommy Joseph within the organization. If he develops enough, perhaps Sanchez can get a trade to somewhere where he’ll play a little more often.
re: Sanchez-he is better than most of the available second catchers in NL-only leagues as his bat is decent.
Derek Norris of the A’s may get a shot this season if the team moves Kurt Suzuki, something that may very well happen.
Norris has shown decent power and plate discipline though a low batting average in the minors and is off to a strong start in AAA, with 6 extra base hits in his first 18 at-bats.
Who’s more likely to catch in OAK, Recker or Norris?
The A’s kept Norris at AAA so he could catch and play every day. Rector was kept as the backup because he’s never been very high on anyone’s prospects’ list even though his offensive numbers have been pretty good as he turns 29 this year. If Suzuki is traded, Norris has the inside track for the job.
I feel like Recker would get the call in an emergency given his age and experience, with Norris being a better long term option
Does Conger still count?
Well he’s off to a strong start at Salt Lake, but he’s going to need to really excel in Triple-A before Scioscia considers using him even as a back-up to Iannetta.
“Sample size”
Ha. You thought you could prevent me from saying that. But I just did. Ha.
What about Devin Mesoraco? Why is he on the ML roster but not starting?
Dusty “F&^^%#” Baker
And the other Sanchez – Gary?
Sanchez doesn’t fit with this group because he’s so far away from making an impact at the major league level. Probably more upside than anyone mentioned so far though.
agreed. tremendous upside but much further away…
How about Wil Rosario and Sebastian Valle? Can’t wait until you do a Prospect Watch on 3B.
Well Rosario is on the Rockies 25-man roster and playing. As for Valle, he’s in Double-A right now with a few questions marks — his plate discipline and whether his power will translate from the hitter-friendly Florida State League. If he can excel, then a promotion to Triple-A would be logical. His current batting eye doesn’t make the jump to the majors, I don’t think.
Thought the FSL in general is more pitcher friendly?
But can Lavarnway actually catch?