WHIV 2044.3- Checking The Locks, Catchers

[recte44]

WHIV 2044.3- Checking The Locks, Catchers (2-3)

Sure Fire Locks (1):
Antonio Ruiz (R/R)
Ruiz has had the majority of the playing time in both of the last two years, and that figures to remain true at least at the outset of the season simply based on his defensive ability. He does have three options remaining if necessary.

Near Locks (1):
Claudio Perez (R/R)
The Hustlers like the pop in Perez's bat. Unlike the others in the mix he has home run power and is also a well above average defensive catcher (won the 2037 FL Zimmer Award). He's likely to play primarily against lefties to start the year but this is a fluid situation. It's the BBA or bust for Perez.

Trying To Break In (4):
Geoff Combs (R/R)
Reggie Leeper (L/R)
Zach Reid (L/R)
Augusto Vargas (R/R)

Reid was given an extended look in September and he showed the Hustlers he can indeed hit for power at the big league level. His defense is not up to the level the Hustlers look for, however, though it isn't horrible. Two option years remaining for Reid. Combs is a better pure hitter, but a righty bat who is primarily an option against lefties only, and while a better defensive option than Reid, he's not at the level of Ruiz or Perez (3 options left). Leeper is a hard working player with some pop against RHP (lefty bat), who strikes out a lot and is a decent enough defense (2 options left). Vargas (1 option year left) was picked up off waivers from Yellow Springs and is an above average defensive catcher with a contact righty bat profile, and really good speed for a catcher.



Breaking In The Back Door (0):
NONE