As we approach (or in some cases surpass) the 50-game mark, I thought I would put together a series of positional analysis pieces. I am breaking with the fantasy-driven breakdown of “middle” and “corner” infielders, mostly because there is much more overlap in the organization’s usage of 2B/3B/SS than of 1B/3B. This segment covers catcher. Other segments (time permitting) cover 1B/DH, infield, outfield, SP and RP. Many of these guys are also seeing significant time at DH to get game experience at the plate, but most realistically see their future as receivers. There seems to be a focus on defense throughout the organization, with strength at each level in the minors.
Houston
Jason Castro has disappointed offensively this year, tying Chris Carter for the lead in K (49) and posting a .216/.307/.396 line. Not much was expected of Carlos Corporan as the back-up, and he has delivered – posting a .149/.196/.404 line in 52 PA.
Oklahoma City
Max Stassi and Carlos Perez have split catching duties pretty evenly. Stassi has also seen time at DH, and started out well, posting a .278/.323/.522 April line with 5 HR. But after a horrible May (.184/.225/.289 0 HR) he sits at .250/.295/.453 in 139 PA for the year. Perez has also struggled offensively, posting a .209/.261/.291 line in 92 PA. I have heard good reports on defense from both, though the one time I saw Stassi I was not impressed.
Corpus Christi
Rene Garcia split time in April with Tyler Heinman, but seems to be getting a few extra starts recently. Heineman is also seeing time at DH, so they are still getting about the same playing time overall. Garcia started slowly (.220/.264/.360 in April) but his .325/.357/.450 May line has raised his season averages to .267/.305/.400 in 98 PA. Heinman has a similar story with his April/May lines (.244/.327/.333 and .325/.413/.425) combining for an overall .282/.367/.376 line in 99 PA. I have seen neither, but Garcia is getting some very good press on his defense. MP Cokinos appears to have made a permanent shift away from catcher.
Lancaster
Roberto Pena is the regular in Lancaster. He is still only 22 in spite of what seems like a decade in the organization. His defense continues to shine (at least according to scouting reports) and his offense may be coming around. He posted a .214/.276/.243 line in April, but has improved to .237/.287/.342 in 122 PA on the season after a much stronger May. Jake Rodriguez started the season as the backup, but has recently been sent back to Quad Cities after a dismal .116/.224/.116 line in 49 PA. (He is still hitless there, but in only 6 PA.) Jobduan Morales was promoted to take Rodriguez’ place, but has appeared in only one game so far.
Quad Cities
Morales was hitting .310/.390/.451 in 82 PA before his promotion. He split time evenly with Brian Hoberton in April, but Hoberton appears to be getting preference in May. Hoberton recently went 5 for 5 and hit for the cycle and is now sitting at .350/.404/.575 for the season in 89 PA. Brett Booth has also seen time at both catcher and DH, posting a .258/.343/.355 line in limited (35 PA) appearances. It will be interesting to see if Rodriguez can get his confidence back, and how he will fit into the mix going forward.
