Baltimore Orioles: With Zaun Gone, Matt Wieters Can Improve as a Catcher

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Ever since fans first caught sight of rookie phenom Matt Wieters in a Baltimore Orioles’ uniform, manager Dave Trembley has continually exhibited an annoying trend.

Once the young catcher has a good day at the plate, Trembley replaces him the next day with veteran Gregg Zaun.

I’m sure many other spectators can agree.

Well, O’s fanatics do not have to worry anymore.

Yesterday, backstop Gregg Zaun was picked up by the Tampa Bay Rays for a reported player to be named later.

Now the main question has to be asked:  Will Wieters receive playing time on a daily basis now that Zaun is gone?

According to reports, the Birds will be calling up Chad Moeller from the minors in the upcoming days, bringing another backup catcher to the squad to provide Wieters with the occasional day off.

So will this deal affect the rookie’s time logged behind the plate?

According to Trembley, he said the trade "will allow Wieters to catch a little more and really take over the staff.”  This is always a good sign for a kid who many fans and analysts alike are projecting to be the future leader of a rebuilding franchise.

With Wieters getting more reps behind the plate, we see him slowly but surely developing for the future. 

The extra playing time will allow him to learn to call a better game, get a feel for the up-and-coming young starting staff, and even improve his growing defensive skills.

As for Moeller, expect to see him take the starting job whenever rookie pitcher Chris Tillman takes the mound, as he has credited the veteran with helping him improve his changeup, a pitch not yet in his arsenal only two seasons ago.

So for Orioles’ fans, this trade should be another in order to benefit the future for the Birds.  With Wieters improving every day, we now begin to see the future contending franchise take shape.

This move is just one step closer to success.

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