State of the Rays: Catcher

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Where the Tampa Bay Rays used John Jaso, Kelly Shoppach and Dioner Navarro in 2010, in 2011 they went with the first two but replaced Navarro with Robinson Chirinos. Jose Lobaton had a cup of coffee too, appearing in 15 games.

In 2010 Jaso had the major share of games with 109, in 2011 he split the duties with Kelly Shoppach. Both appeared in about 90 games.

Together the catchers had a BA of .184, nothing to write home about.
Especially John Jaso's batting average dropped from .263 in 2010 to .224 last season.

Jaso's fielding percentage was identical compared to 2010: .992

2012

I see Jaso be the main guy behind the plate, sharing duties with Kelly Shoppach (if the Rays will excercise the 2012 option of the latter).
Knowing that the Rays normally don't rush their farm hands through the minors, I don't see prospect Stephen Vogt being called up before August/September. But we know that in 2011, Matt Moore played in AA, AAA and was called up in September, while nobody exepcted him to be called up that soon.

Future
I see Stephen Vogt as their main catcher in the near future. Like I said above, I don't expect him to be called up before August/September. But when he keeps putting up the numbers he had last year he may be called up sooner or even make the Opening Day roster.
Furthermore I don't see any competitors for Vogt in the near future. The Rays have a decent catcher in their farm system in Craig Albernaz, but he his moved up and down between AA and AAA. I think he will never make it to the Bigs, unless a void must be filled. Vogt has an advantage that he can also play outfield and first base. So it is up to the Rays where to play him. But IMO they would be better off when they play himbehind home plate.

[RickD]

Yeah Jaso looks to be the man but I would not be surprised if the team looked at FA!

[yankeebiscuitfan]

I don't know why they would jump in the FA pond. Jaso is a decent catcher. Shoppach does well. Sure their hitting should improve. They better look for a couple of good hitters.

[Longo]

Jaso was let go and the Rays sign Jose Molina to back up Shoppach.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Jaso was let go and the Rays sign Benji Molina to back up Shoppach.

The Rays didn't resign Shoppach. They opted for Molina, leaving both Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos as the main candidates to fill the void left behind by Jaso.

But like I wrote in the Rays' transaction thread, I see this as a sign that Stephen Vogt may come up at the end of next season or otherwise with Spring Training 2013. The guy can call a good game. And a big plus is that he is a pure hitter. He can hit for power and for average.

[Longo]

It looks like Lobaton is going to be the back up right now, but hopefully Vogt can be in the mix at some point in 2012.

[yankeebiscuitfan]

Apparently the Rays have some faith in Nevin Ashley too. The former catcher of the Montgomery Biscuits is on their fourty-men roster.

[tonypug]

Nevin Ashley has been a favorite of John Maddon the last couple of years. In fact when Dioner Navarro refused to stay with the team during 2010 post season as an emergency backup, Ashley was the one called on.I also wouldn't be surprised if the Rays sign Jason Varitek to share duties with Molina while Chirinois and Lobaton and the other young catchers get more experience.

[OutfieldGrass]

The Rays got a solid pitcher in Josh Lueke and I know some might not be able to look past the legal issues I think he really is on the right track. I had a chance to talk with him a bit for my blog and had a blast.