Friar Friday’s: Catcher

Last week we took a look at the shortstop position and talked about Everth Cabrera. This week we’ll take a look at the catcher position, which has one thing in common with the shortstop position: steroid allegations. We’ll start off with Yasmani Grandal.

Jul. 3, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA: San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Last year Grandal played 60 games in the majors. He had a .297 average and hit 8 home runs and drove in 36 runs. He had an OBP of .394, a SLG of .469, and a OPS of .863. Back in November Grandal was suspended for the first 50 games of the regular season because of failing a drug test. He’s been allowed to participate in Spring Training but when it comes to the regular season, the catcher spot is up in the air.

Veteran Nick Hundley will likely fill in for most of the time. Last season was a rough one for Hundley. He hit a career-low .157 with only 3 home runs and 22 RBI’s. For his career in the majors, he’s hit for a .238 AVG, with 33 homers and 148 RBI’s. He’s on the downside of his career, but he’s a veteran none-the-less. He has a career fielding percentage of .991.

Next in line is John Baker. Baker appeared in 63 games for the Padres last season. He hit for a .238 AVG and had a .719 OPS. Behind the plate he had a fielding percentage of .990.

Hundley will likely take most of the innings behind the plate, but Baker will fill in when Hundley needs a break. The first 50 games might be rough from the catcher position. Grandal is a young guy who will only continue to get better. Padres fans can only hope that he’ll spend his suspension time to better his game.

Check back next week when we take a look at the outfield, featuring Cameron Maybin.