Many people underestimate the backup catcher.
People think that it is a person needed just in case of an injury to the starter.
But what most people don't realize is how important they are.
Records have it that the backup is almost always better defensively than the starting catcher. Because of the fact that catchers sit on the bench all game, they get a better look at how opposing players do at the plate; looking at locations to set and pitches to throw. Some also get more practice by catching in the bullpen.
Ranking the top backups in the league:
Jeff Mathis (LAA)- 12-33 3 HR 7 RBI
Jose Molina (NYY)- 12-36 7 2B
Chris Iannetta (COL)- 9-27 1 HR 5 RBI
Chris Coste (PHI)- 10-27 2 HR 4 RBI
Kevin Cash (BOS)- Great hitter? No. But one of the only catchers in the league that can recognize the knuckleball of Tim Wakefield
Brad Ausmus (HOU)- Stud behind the plate and a former starter.
Not amazing numbers, but think...most of them have only played a few games and yet come through for their teams.
Keep in mind that the backup catcher is not a wasted roster spot, because if the starter gets hurt, the backup is always ready.
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5 months ago
Doug Mirabelli should be right next to Cash. Mirabelli is one of the only catchers to have perfected catching the knuckeball. Last time Varitek caught Wakefield, there were 4 past balls over 3 innings. I agree the backup catcher is vital to a solid organization. Hey, they even are ready to pitch. John Flaherty (former backup catcher of Yanks) was seen warming up in the bullpen on 3 different occasions.
5 months ago
Well, I only posted catchers on current teams. Doug Mirabelli is no longer a member of the Red Sox, neither is Flaherty. You're right, they were solid, for those reasons, but not anymore.
5 months ago
Back-up catchers are VERY overrated. Take a look a Detroit, our backup catcher (Inge) is also our backup out fielder, and backup third baseman. That is a roster spot that is much deserving.
Inge plays at least 4 times a week and is always ready to throw on the tools of ignorance at anytime. So there you go, if I were a GM, I would be finding the next Super-utility player like B-Inge. B/c that is a roster spot that is deserving.
5 months ago
i completely agree with the studies of the back up catcher. The back up catchers do have the chance to see the batters and they have a chance to see where the batters weaknesses are. But theirs one question do they do that when their sitting on the bench. Are they really studying the game. Are they really looking at the batters weaknesses.
from 5 months ago
Yes, David, they are studying. Catchers are the most focused players in the MLB.
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