Backup catcher if Victor needs to go on the DL

by InfiniteMonkeyTypists on Jun 12, 2008 11:33 AM EDT

Somebody will have to challenge Marte as the least-used player off the bench if Victor is headed to the DL. Shoppach obviously becomes our starting catcher, but who is the new backup? Toregas is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, but he's struggling at Buffalo, it looks like he'd be overmatched in Cleveland. Any chance that we see Chris Gimenez instead? Westbrook could be moved to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster.

Gimenez has played mostly at catcher this year, though in the past he's been a utility kind of guy, so his catcher defense probably isn't all that good. Anybody have a good grasp on what his defensive profile is?

He is fantastic at controlling the strike zone, so good that it actually makes his hitting numbers look a little weak. It's hard to amass extra-base hits when almost 25% of your plate appearances result in a walk.

April: 15/57 with 18 bb, 13 k - 263/440/421

May: 23/70 with 21 bb, 14 k - 329/484/571

June: 13/29 with 11 bb, 4k - 448/600/517

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couldn’t make the offense that much worse off.

You know Selig? Ombudsman.

by rolub on Jun 12, 2008 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs

I thought you meant Gutz for a second.

Heck, if the pitcher throws hard enough, Franklin 2 could spray singles all over the yard. Offensive problem solved.

The batter swings and the summer flies...

by cclemens31 on Jun 12, 2008 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the fact that Torregas is on the 40 man already answers your question, he would be the call. Shap at this point isn’t going to be looking for offense out of his backup catcher in an injury situation, as long as the guy provides capable D. From all accounts I have heard, Torregas would be able to step in and call a game.

by Roger Dorn on Jun 12, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

Toregas is a good enough hitter to be our backup catcher. Assuming Shoppach can start at least four games in a row, Toregas would get all of three starts between now and the All-Star break — so we would get Victor five full weeks to rehab at the cost of maybe 10 PA for this guy. Not a big deal.

by Jay on Jun 12, 2008 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

I should add, the opportunity to move Gimenez up to Buffalo is a plus in itself, but there’s just no real reason to put him on the 40-man based on those 10 PA, with a defensive downgrade mixed in.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Garko do a little receiving on the side, just to be ready in an emergency.

by Jay on Jun 12, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah, i don’t see how it’s anyone but toreagas. the only reason to do jimenez is if you’re going to give him playing time which makes no sense since shoppach has always been that guy who would be a starter for most teams…

Hire Tim Laker!

by Brick. on Jun 12, 2008 1:39 PM EDT reply actions