In the first of a multiple-part series leading up to the start of the 2039 season, "Position Battles" will examine multiple players vying to make the Boise Spuds starting line-up or the active roster as a reserve. Kicking off the series is the competition at back-up catcher.With Claudio Pérez returning as the starting catcher for Boise after a modest season (.238/.294/.428 with 23 home runs and plus-defense) and last year's backup Ignacio Marrero now a free agent, the Spuds will look to their AAA starter in Salt Lake City, José Rivera, and recent Rule 5 draftee Mike Schofield, formerly in the Jacksonville Hurricanes system.
LAST YEAR BY THE NUMBERS
Both Rivera and Schofield spent 2038 in Triple-A, tallying 451 and 395 at-bats, respectively, so comparing offensive numbers should be a fair exercise. Rivera, in his third season in the minors' top level, showed some pop (18 HR) and a passable eye (.315 OBP), but struggled to put bat-to-ball, collecting only a .228 batting average. Fortunately, Rivera flashed excellent defense (+2.7 ZR, 1.176 EFF) and gunned down an impressive 35.8% of attempted base stealers. Schofield, in his first experience at AAA, slugged an whopping 33 HR, helping fuel a .519 slugging percentage to go along with a .230 batting average and .312 on-base percentage. Schofield held his own defensively (+1.7 ZR, .988 EFF) and while he only threw out 23.6% of would-be stealers in AAA, he holds a career mark just under 42% in the minors. EDGE: PUSH
THE BASICS
With multiple years remaining on each of their contracts, this battle is not just for 2039 but beyond. Schofield edges Rivera in age, so he may still improve on his skills. Rivera does have an option year remaining, so if he doesn't make the Spuds out of spring training, it's more than likely he'll return to Salt Lake City as the starting catcher once again. While Schofield has more option years, he is a Rule 5 selection, so he must stay up in Boise for the remainder of the season or else be returned to Jacksonville. With this caveat, Schofield does hold a slight edge all things equal. At this time, Schofield's greater popularity among the Boise faithful is inconsequential, but could be something to watch if he performs on the big stage. EDGE: SCHOFIELDOFFENSE
Overall, Rivera is the more balance batter, league-average or better in all skills. What Schofield lacks in contact and batting eye, he makes up for it with raw power. The Spuds' bench is expected to be light in slugging, so Schofield's pop could play in pinch-hit situations or when Pérez rests. Both players are right-handed batters but don't suffer from extreme platoon-splits. Rivera's skills against righties is similar to Pérez, whereas Schofield may not be called upon to face right-handers should he make the team. EDGE: RIVERABASERUNNING/BUNTING
As it goes with most catchers, both players are below-average on the basepaths, Rivera even more so. Neither player can handle the bat well enough to bunt, but the Spuds are not expected to flash the bunt sign very often next seasons. EDGE: PUSHDEFENSE
New Boise general manager expects to stress defensive prowess all across the diamond, especially up the middle at catcher, shortstop and centerfield. Pérez is a plus-defender behind the dish, so he won't be asked to sit for a defensive substitution late in games. Despite lower defensive marks last season than Rivera, Schofield is by far the better defender and should rebound. Should he make the roster and make starts for Boise, the team shouldn't see any attrition in receiving, blocking, framing or stolen base prevention. Rivera's sub-par receiving skills and average arm will be hurdles he'll have to overcome, either by improving during the spring or making up for with additional offensive production. EDGE: SCHOFIELDVERDICT
After close examination, it appears the newly-acquired Schofield holds a slight edge over Rivera, especially factoring in his Draft 5 status. Schofield seems to have enough talent to make the jump to the majors in 2039, clearing the way for Rivera to return to AAA for regular at-bats and acting as an emergency catcher in case of injury. If both players have impressive springs, there is an outside chance the Spuds carry three catchers on the roster to open the season, protecting Schofield from going back to Jacksonville, however this scenario is unlikely as Lederer has mentioned he may choose to feature a large, deep bullpen.
