Assuming, as I do, that Willingham will be on the Roster and serve, with his versatility and bat as 3rd (or emergency) catcher, there will be just one back-up catcher for LoDuca (who will need a competent back-up from time to time.)

 

Should it be Treanor or DiFelice? I know enough of Treanor for him to be my sentimental favorite. I know very little about DiFelice. I read his career stats but that's not the same as seeing him in action this ST.

 

And if either Treanor or DiFelice is cut, what options exist for them and the Marlins? Can either be sent to the 'Topes or do we lose them?

 

Well-founded opinions will be much appreciated.

 

Edited. Correcting DiFelice spelling. Googled him and apparently it was wrong!

First of all, I doubt Willingham makes the squad out of S.T., but that's not the point.

 

Considering that neither DiFelice nor Treanor have extensive playing time so far (21 AB's between them) I'd say that DiFelice has the inside track on the back-up spot because: 1) He's a veteran with better spring numbers so far, and 2) Treanor still has options left, and they're both making the minimum, so if DiFelice fizzles, Treanor's ready to be called up from AAA.

 

However, it may come down to who is perceived to "work better" with the pitching staff than any offensive numbers, and if that's the case, you have to believe that Treanor has a leg up simply because he was here last year, and he did seem to call some good games while up here.

 

Pretty much, it's a coin-flip at this point, but if I were forced to make a prediction, I'd say DiFelice makes the club simply because you don't sign a veteran back-up unless you have every intention of giving him the job, and it's not like Treanor or even Willingham (with his .167 average) are taking the job away from him...

Good Stuff TSwift25. Thanks.

Who I think will make the team- DiFelice

 

Who I think should make the team- Treanor

DiFelice was signed as a minor league free agent. He can be sent back to AAA this spring with no penalty.

 

I think Treanor has the inside edge, because the loss of Redmond and Castro makes him the senior Marlins catcher. His experience with Beckett and Burnett in past STs and the organization's pitchers should help LoDuca, the pitchers, Mark Wiley and the club in general. If Willingham makes the team as a utilityman, they won't be looking for a bat from their other back-up catcher anyway.

 

 

Edit: Appears the big bad Herald made the same argument for Treanor this morning. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sport...ll/11137526.htm

Rferry, Thanks for your typically competent opinion and the Link which I found interesting.

I still think Willingham is on the Roster and the 1st back-up TBA. The next couple of weeks will be critical for Treanor and DiFelice. Will be interesting to see the playing time Jack gives them.

I've been thinking DiFelice all along, even though everything I've read says Treanor has the inside track. Now, after reading the Herald story, including all of DiFelice's past transgressions, I'm more open to the opinion of Treanor making it. I would rather have DiFelice- as good a story as Treanor was, I wasn't terribly impressed with him last season. And DiFelice has the edge in experience.

who ever plays best out of all the catchers in camp outside loduca.

Niether.

 

Willingham or bust.

My pick and the likely spot winner are one in the same: California Love Matt Treanor.

Jorgensen all the way!

 

 

 

 

:bandit