C Masakado Matsunaga (.291-37-108) and RF Júlio Pérez (.314-38-99) supplied a lot of the punch for the 2061 Kernels. After starting 98 times as catcher last season, Matsu was switched to DH to get him more at-bats, and this tactic is expected to continue this season, as the 24-y.o. switch-hitter starts his third full season in Iowa, the heart of the Heartland.
This leaves a "catcher controversy" for Des Moines, with three possible starters and one waiting in the wings.
By the last, I mean 21-y.o. Terry Pitzer, another switch hitter, drafted in the 3rd round last year. He brings a 5/7/4 potential and is the best defender of the bunch. Pitzer had a 0.7 WAR at Single-A last season and will probably see time at Double-A before the season's over. He is on the spring trainer roster and will be in the rotation of starting catchers.
Cecil Clarke was the odds-on favorite to start behind the plate this season, and he signed a modest 4-year, $14mm contract; but that has become problematic in this economy. Clarke has hit .300+ the last two seasons as back-up back stop. JR initially signed him in the Gms rookie season ('59) after Chicago released him. A career highlight is when he hit for the cycle back in April '55 against Rockville while with Las Vegas.
Clarke did not compete in the Winter Moustache challenge.
Pablo Gonzáles, 23, 6/6/5, will get the initial starting position this spring training in the hopes that his ratings will increase. He was drafted by JR in 2059, and was the full-time catcher in September '61 for Des Moines. JR likes him, and we'll see if that's enough for this guy to get rolling big time.
Rule 5 pick up Dan Davidson is in the fight for a place on the DM roster. The 24-yo left-handed hitter (6/6/5) is on the edge of mediocrity as are the other contenders. He was picked 66th overall in the 2056 draft at Sacramento and was stuck at Double-A ball the last two years.