Trail Droppings 2045-1 Battle For Catcher

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Trail Droppings 2045-1 Battle For Catcher

Post by indiansfan » Thu Nov 26, 2020 6:47 pm

Battle For Catcher

The Pioneers invited four catchers to camp this year and are rumored to still be talking to other teams about trading for one. Howard Burton and Hector Serrano are not a lock to keep their jobs this spring, one or both could find themselves replaced. The team has confirmed that a last minute offer was made to Hsin Mei, but he chose to go back to Mexico City.

Let’s look at the competition:

Howard Burton - The lefty finally got his shot in 2043 and hit .296 with a ,836 OPS his rookie season. Last season his numbers plunged to .255 AVG and .658 OPS. Since he is only an adequate defender behind the plate, Burton will have to excite the team with his bat to hold on to his job.

Hector Serrano - The switch hitter is entering his 10th season with Calgary. A career .275 hitter, Serrano only batted .235 last year and only .202 vs left handed pitching. He has been unhappy over losing his starting spot to Burton, but if he wants to hold on to his half of the platoon he will need to have a good camp.

Augusto Vargas - This free agent signee could be the one sealing Serrano’s goodbye envelope. Mostly an unknown, he was given a very limited shot with Yellow Springs and Las Vegas that didn’t impress, but Calgary is looking at his minor league production. He could be the perfect compliment to Burton and is a better defender than either of the above. The catch with Vargas is the team signed him to a contract with a major league option, so they will have 30 days to determine if he is BBA material.

Vincente Melendez - The wildcard in the mix is the Rule 5 pickup from New Orleans, a team with a solid record developing catchers. Melendez is a switch hitter and the best defender of the group. He excelled at AA, struggled in AAA and he will either make it or break it this season. The team also thinks Melendez could be a strong presence in the locker room.

Burton is probably still the front runner here with the other 3 battling for the other spot. Given the contract status of the newcomers they are either going to make the squad or be sent packing. It will be an interesting competition.
Kevin

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Calgary Pioneers 2004-
BBA Landis Champs 2018, 21
FL Champs 2018, 21, 39
FL Pacific Champs: 2016, 19, 21, 34
FL Frontier Champs 2039
FL WC 2018, 26-29, 31-32, 35
JL WC 2040, 41, 44
FL MOY 2019, 34
JL MOY 2044

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