Catchers:
Kirby Imel (Madison) – 6’5”, 31 years old, R/R – Kirby is strictly a backup, and a terrible one at that. He doesn’t field especially well, and couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. He did however have two good seasons in part time work for Calgary in 1993 and 1994. Speculation is that he got hit by a car or something in the offseason. Expect this guy to be given a pink slip in Spring Training. Free agent eligible. Signed (inexplicably) for 4 years at $4,110,000 per. Can you say albatross?
Tyrone Vanslyke (Madison) – 5’10”, 26 years old, R/R – This diminutive catcher brings some serious offensive skills to the backstop. He only hit .279 in 1994, but raked it at .368 in 1993. He has great gap power, but only an average eye. He also can’t field a lick, meaning that Madison will need to find a defensive backup. Free agent eligible after the season. Signed for 1 year at $375,000.
Hashuro "Ball o' Fat" Dakiki (Rockford) – 6’0”, 310lbs, 24 years old, R/R – This rotund catcher from Guam is excellent on defense, both receiving and throwing. Hashuro could be the eventual solution for a defensive backup catcher. However, he simply must improve a little at the plate before that day. Not yet arbitration eligible. Signed for the minimum of $300,000.
Mackey Sasser (Rockford) – 6’0”, 32 years old, L/R – This MLB defector is still a fairly talented hitter, bringing decent contact skills with average power. Sasser however is a poor defensive catcher and even struggles at times getting the ball back to the pitcher. Nonetheless, he is the front runner for the backup big league slot. Arbitration eligible. Signed for 1 year at $500,000.
Bill Villalovos (Rockford) – 6’0”, 21 years old, R/R – A defensive nightmare, Villalovos is nonetheless a very talented hitter. He possesses good contact and power to all fields, and boasts one of the best eyes in the business. Already, he is arguably the best hitter amongst all the catchers. He is still under a minor league contract.
