Thought the big ST issue would be the RF spot.

IMO Encarnacion has it. I've seen him at bat and he looks confident and solid, and Niner is still doing rehab'.

 

But, back-up catcher is getting exciting and maybe a little confusing.

What more can Jorgy do? And journeyman Treanor is solid and consistent (but still without a stick. But, a ClubHouse Plus.)

 

Haven't seen DeFelice yet, but he has credentials.

And Josh Willingham has versatility.

 

And Jack has a soft spot for catchers trying to make it (since he never did.)

I don't envy his decision/position. But, he'll probably go with the hottest bat.

Problem is getting these four potential back-ups enough AB's.

 

Very exciting.

What more can Jorgy do?

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It's been 2 games let's not get ahead of ourselves, but it's safe to say we're all rooting for him.

Very few jobs up for competition.

 

Back-up catcher is the most interesting, because the winner earns atleast 30 starts and the candidates are a charismatic and varied cast.

 

However the second infield reserve spot is also of significant interest. Joe Dillon. Wilson Delgado. Lenny Harris. Derek Wathan. Josh Wilson.

 

Chris Aguila should feel comfortable knowing he has no notable challengers for the second outfield reserve spot. Unless the team sees Willingham more as an outfielder or they pick another infielder...

 

There may be an open bullpen spot if the club decides to send Spooneybarger to AAA to find his control in homer-friendly Albuquerque. McKeon wants an extra lefty, but with the Jim Mecir signing it's not quite a necessity. Maybe opening a door for Bump, Howard, Wayne, Hutch, Castillo or Moehler.

Very few jobs up for competition.

 

Back-up catcher is the most interesting, because the winner earns atleast 30 starts and the candidates are a charismatic and varied cast.

 

However the second infield reserve spot is also of significant interest. Joe Dillon. Wilson Delgado. Lenny Harris. Derek Wathan. Josh Wilson.

 

Chris Aguila should feel comfortable knowing he has no notable challengers for the second outfield reserve spot. Unless the team sees Willingham more as an outfielder or they pick another infielder...

 

There may be an open bullpen spot if the club decides to send Spooneybarger to AAA to find his control in homer-friendly Albuquerque. McKeon wants an extra lefty, but with the Jim Mecir signing it's not quite a necessity. Maybe opening a door for Bump, Howard, Wayne, Hutch, Castillo or Moehler.

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I'm starting to like Chad Bentz's chances.

Jorgy is great. hes real solid and consistent. back up catcher is the interesting issue. well have to see how everything goes this month.

its only a matter of time before conine gets the job

its only a matter of time before conine gets the job

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i don't know about that... :plain

I think the backup job will go to whoever proves to be the best defensive catcher. With the struggles Lo Duca seemed to have last year in the field -- I think McKeon will pay more attention to the aforementioned contestants' defensive abilities.

I think the backup job will go to whoever proves to be the best defensive catcher. With the struggles Lo Duca seemed to have last year in the field -- I think McKeon will pay more attention to the aforementioned contestants' defensive abilities.

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Well not being a Jorg homer here -- but he IS the best defensive catcher in our system. So if you are right, good news for him.

I don't know much about him honestly -- but if that's true then I think he could have a legitamate chance to win the job

 

does Jorgensen have options left? (can he be sent to the minors without passing through waivers?) if he does -- that could hold him back.

I think the backup job will go to whoever proves to be the best defensive catcher. With the struggles Lo Duca seemed to have last year in the field -- I think McKeon will pay more attention to the aforementioned contestants' defensive abilities.

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Depends on who wins the other jobs. Can't decide which attributes are needed at the position quite yet. More veterans make the squad, the team might be less inclined to take DiFelice. More no-hit fielders make the squad, the team may not take Treanor or DiFelice. The versatile Wathan or Delgado makes the team, the team may not take Willingham.

What Treanor has going for him is major league experience WITH much of the existing staff. It's his job to lose.

 

Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham have to convince the manager and the FO that what they have to offer has greater value over the course of the season than the experience Treanor got last season. That's a tough hill to climb.

What Treanor has going for him is major league experience WITH much of the existing staff. It's his job to lose.

 

Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham have to convince the manager and the FO that what they have to offer has greater value over the course of the season than the experience Treanor got last season. That's a tough hill to climb.

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Not really...In terms of making the team, there will be two backup catchers (most likely). Our one emergency catcher (Mordy) isn't on the team, and having Treanor doesn't guarantee a solid backup. We've gone with two backups for as long as I can remember.

 

So really, Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham just have to prove useful to the club--not compared to anyone else. I think Willingham has the advantage, only because he's versatile.

What Treanor has going for him is major league experience WITH much of the existing staff. It's his job to lose.

 

Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham have to convince the manager and the FO that what they have to offer has greater value over the course of the season than the experience Treanor got last season. That's a tough hill to climb.

703149[/snapback]

Not really...In terms of making the team, there will be two backup catchers (most likely). Our one emergency catcher (Mordy) isn't on the team, and having Treanor doesn't guarantee a solid backup. We've gone with two backups for as long as I can remember.

 

So really, Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham just have to prove useful to the club--not compared to anyone else. I think Willingham has the advantage, only because he's versatile.

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The problem with your theory is that according to virtually every written account, Willingham hasn't proven he can handle the signal-calling (or defensive) duties required of a major league catcher.

What Treanor has going for him is major league experience WITH much of the existing staff. It's his job to lose.

 

Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham have to convince the manager and the FO that what they have to offer has greater value over the course of the season than the experience Treanor got last season. That's a tough hill to climb.

703149[/snapback]

Not really...In terms of making the team, there will be two backup catchers (most likely). Our one emergency catcher (Mordy) isn't on the team, and having Treanor doesn't guarantee a solid backup. We've gone with two backups for as long as I can remember.

 

So really, Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham just have to prove useful to the club--not compared to anyone else. I think Willingham has the advantage, only because he's versatile.

703166[/snapback]

 

The problem with your theory is that according to virtually every written account, Willingham hasn't proven he can handle the signal-calling (or defensive) duties required of a major league catcher.

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The problem is his defense, not his game calling.

What Treanor has going for him is major league experience WITH much of the existing staff. It's his job to lose.

 

Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham have to convince the manager and the FO that what they have to offer has greater value over the course of the season than the experience Treanor got last season. That's a tough hill to climb.

703149[/snapback]

Not really...In terms of making the team, there will be two backup catchers (most likely). Our one emergency catcher (Mordy) isn't on the team, and having Treanor doesn't guarantee a solid backup. We've gone with two backups for as long as I can remember.

 

So really, Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham just have to prove useful to the club--not compared to anyone else. I think Willingham has the advantage, only because he's versatile.

703166[/snapback]

 

The problem with your theory is that according to virtually every written account, Willingham hasn't proven he can handle the signal-calling (or defensive) duties required of a major league catcher.

703176[/snapback]

The problem is his defense, not his game calling.

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Ramp, the parenthetical thought was meant to clarify not amplify the previous statement, my apologies. :notworthy

 

Let me rephrase, he's got a h*lluva bat but he needs more experience behind the plate.

What Treanor has going for him is major league experience WITH much of the existing staff. It's his job to lose.

 

Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham have to convince the manager and the FO that what they have to offer has greater value over the course of the season than the experience Treanor got last season. That's a tough hill to climb.

703149[/snapback]

Not really...In terms of making the team, there will be two backup catchers (most likely). Our one emergency catcher (Mordy) isn't on the team, and having Treanor doesn't guarantee a solid backup. We've gone with two backups for as long as I can remember.

 

So really, Jorgy, DeFelice and Willingham just have to prove useful to the club--not compared to anyone else. I think Willingham has the advantage, only because he's versatile.

703166[/snapback]

 

The problem with your theory is that according to virtually every written account, Willingham hasn't proven he can handle the signal-calling (or defensive) duties required of a major league catcher.

703176[/snapback]

The problem is his defense, not his game calling.

703186[/snapback]

 

 

Ramp, the parenthetical thought was meant to clarify not amplify the previous statement, my apologies. :notworthy

 

Let me rephrase, he's got a h*lluva bat but he needs more experience behind the plate.

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:mischief

only reason we kept three catcher in the past was because Castro was out of options and we didnt want to lose him but Redmond was the better of the two for backup positions. When we had Pudge, there was simply no way of knowing who the backup should be so they kept both.

Willingham article:

 

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...394/1019/SPORTS

By Jeff McIntyre

Assistant Sports Editor

 

 

Article Tools

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Josh Willingham finds spring training a little more exciting this season.

 

The former Mars Hill and North Alabama star is beginning his sixth season of professional baseball with the Florida Marlins organization, but this spring is different. For the first time in Willingham's career, he has a legitimate shot of making the Marlins' opening day roster.

 

"In the past I knew I would start the season in the minor leagues," Willingham said. "This year is different in that I don't have a clue what their plans are for me. My agent has told me they plan on giving me a good look this spring, so I guess it just depends on how well I play."

 

Willingham was called up by the Marlins from Double-A Carolina this past July and spent three weeks in the big leagues. He played left field and catcher but was sent back to Carolina so he could play every day and hone his catching skills.

 

In his brief time in the big leagues, Willingham hit .200 with one home run and one RBI. The thrill of getting called up to the majors remains fresh in Willingham's mind.

 

"It was surreal," he said. "My manager in Carolina told me, but it really didn't set in until I was driving to the park the next day. Seeing my jersey hanging in the locker that first day was an awesome experience."

 

Willingham smiled when asked what is the best part of playing in the majors.

 

"I would be lying if I said it's not the money," he said. "This is my job, and the money is much better in the majors. But that is just a part of it. Playing in the majors is every kid's dream. You don't dream of playing in the minor leagues. The majors are the best of the best, and that's where I want to be."

 

Willingham continued to prove himself in the minor leagues last year. He hit .281 with 24 home runs and 76 RBIs. His .449 on base percentage led the Southern League, and he was named to the Southern League All-Star team. He was voted the Mudcats' MVP at the end of the season.

 

A big factor working in his favor of making the big league roster is his versatility. Willingham has been catching for two years, but he is still comfortable in the outfield, as well as at first and third base.

 

Willingham said he is not ready to settle for a career as a utility player.

 

"I just turned 26, so I'm still pretty young," he said. "I want to play when I get to the majors. Next year would probably be different in that I would rather be a backup in the big leagues than play Triple-A ball.

 

"I want to make the team, but if I'm not going to get much playing time this year I wouldn't mind going back to the minors. I think the Marlins still feel that I'm a good prospect, so they don't want me to be a backup."

 

Willingham said his chances of making the Marlins roster were hurt when Florida re-signed veteran catcher Paul Lo Duca and signed free agent first baseman Carlos Delgado.

 

"I thought I had a good shot this year until they signed Delgado," Willingham said. "It is always possible I could be traded, but the Marlins have said they don't want to trade me. It makes me feel good that they are that high on me, but I still want to get a shot in the majors."

 

Willingham was hitless in four spring training at-bats through Saturday. He has been used primarily in the outfield this spring.

 

Willingham still has minor league options remaining, so the Marlins can send him down this year. Next season he will be out of options.

 

Once a player is out of options, another team can claim him if he's sent from the majors to the minors.

 

If Willingham is sent to the minors this year, he will likely play with Florida's Triple-A team in Albuquerque of the Pacific Coast League.

 

"My gut feeling is that I'll go to Albuquerque," Willingham said. "I would say the odds of me sticking with the Marlins this spring are 60/40 or maybe even 70/30 against.

 

"I'm going to give it my best shot, but I'm not putting a lot of pressure on myself. I'm just going to keep doing the things I need to do from day to day and see what happens. But having been in the majors briefly really fuels your fire. I definitely want to get there again."