It’s time to go over the most exciting position battle for the Orioles.
Okay, so it might not be all that exciting, but there is a possibility that Matt Wieters won’t be ready for Opening Day. That means Caleb Joseph, J.P. Arencibia, Steve Clevenger and Ryan Lavarnway will fight for two spots on the roster.
Joseph has one of the strongest cases to win the backup catcher job after his defensive performance last season. He threw out 23 base runners trying to steal last year in 77 games started, according to ESPN.com.
He struggled at the plate though, batting just .207, but Buck Showalter values defense and a backup catcher is not really expected to be the best hitter at the plate. However, it’s something to consider if Wieters isn’t ready to start the season.
Arencibia was signed this offseason after batting just .177 for the Rangers last season, but he did hit 10 home runs. He spent most of the season in the minors, where he batted.277 and hit 14 home runs.
The former Blue Jay has never hit for a high average, but has always hit for power and could hit quite a few home runs at Camden Yards. Can we also add in his favor that he’s married to The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry? (No, but I’m just going to throw that out there.)
Clevenger is a local guy that the fans like, but in my opinion is just a minor league-type of player. Not an impressive bat and is below average on defense. He’ll have an uphill battle trying to win the job.
Lavarnway was also brought in this offseason and is the wild card in the competition, as he has impressive minor league stats. However, he hasn’t been able to put it together at the major league level and is looking for a chance with the Orioles.
All four catchers have a chance to prove themselves during Spring Training and have the ability to win over the backup catchup job. Showalter is a fair manager is will give all four catchers the chance to play.
However, it looks like it will come down to Joseph and Arencibia. If Wieters can’t start the season behind the plate immediately, then those two will be the likeliest to be on the major league roster.
It’s not the worst case scenario though, as Joseph’s defensive prowess and Arecenbia’s power could easily get the Orioles by at the position until Wieters is able to get back.
A healthy Wieters to begin the season means that only one spot would be available to the four catchers and it seems that Joseph would win that.
However, a strong Spring Training could change the tide for any of these players, as baseball is ever-changing.
It’ll be an interesting battle at backup catcher, but look for Joseph to win the job so long as he continues to be strong defensively.
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