OC Register: 2020 Angels spring training preview: catchers

[AngelsWin.com]

As the Angels head toward the first workout of spring training on Feb. 12, we are providing a breakdown of how they stand with their roster. Players acquired this winter include the method of their acquisition in parentheses. Today, the catchers. (Previously, the rotation and bullpen).

2019 RECAP

The Angels started the season with a pair of new catchers, Jonathan Lucroy and Kevan Smith, and neither performed as they’d hoped. Lucroy hit .242 with a .681 OPS and had trouble blocking balls. He was eventually released after the Angels made a trade for defensive-specialist Max Stassi at the deadline. Smith came to the Angels with a reputation as an offensive catcher, and he actually finished strong to end up with a .251 batting average and a .710 OPS, not quite up to expectations but passable. He suffered a concussion and a wrist injury that limited his playing time. Stassi also ended up getting hurt shortly after he was acquired, finishing the season with three hits in 42 at-bats with the Angels. Overall, Angels catchers combined for a .638 OPS, which ranked 25th in the majors.

HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW

The Angels added Jason Castro (free agent, from Twins) and he figures to get the bulk of the playing time. Castro, 32, has been a solid defensive catcher, known in particular for his pitch-framing. Offensively, Castro is coming off a season in which he hit .232 with a .767 OPS in 79 games (he hit .125 with a .347 OPS in 40 at-bats against left-handers). For his career, he’s got a .703 OPS (.553 vs. left-handers). Castro also gives the Angels a left-handed bat to add some balance to their right-handed heavy lineup. Stassi, who might not be ready for Opening Day after hip surgery, figures to be the backup (or platoon partner) to Castro, but he might get plenty of playing time. The Angels are hoping that Stassi’s disappointing 2019 season at the plate was a fluke, and he can return to being more like the hitter he had been prior to 2019, when he had a career .713 OPS.

THE NEXT LAYER

The Angels picked up Anthony Bemboom last year, and he ended up getting some playing time around all the injuries to Lucroy, Stassi and Smith. Bemboom could make the Opening Day roster if Stassi isn’t ready. After that, it doesn’t look good. Don’t be surprised if the Angels pick up someone on waivers, or sign a veteran to a minor league deal, just to provide another warm body for depth.

MOVE THEY COULD MAKE

The Angels’ catcher of the future doesn’t seem to be in their farm system yet. In Baseball America’s just-completed ranking of the Angels prospects, they had no catchers in the top 30. Unless they are going to keep piecing it together with one-year band-aids or spend a lot to sign J.T. Realmuto as a free agent next winter, they could try to make a trade for a top catching prospect. The Cardinals have three good catching prospects: Andrew Knizer, Ivan Herrera and Julio Rodriguez. Meanwhile, the Angels’ prospect surplus is in the outfield, so maybe they could deal D’Shawn Knowles or Trent Deveaux for a catcher.

Related Articles

• Inside the Dodgers: What’s it like to get exactly one Hall of Fame vote?
• Hoornstra: Hall of Fame voting has become a feedback loop
• Angels add two pitchers on minor-league deals
• Letter demanding vote on Angel Stadium sale be reversed for more public discussion sent to Anaheim
• 2020 Angels spring training preview: bullpen

View the full article

[Amazing Larry]

Having a catcher who is able to frame a pitch will be a huge upgrade after the disaster we saw last year.