DiFelice out, Treanor in as backup

03/27/2005 11:35 AM ET

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

 

JUPITER, Fla. -- One of the Marlins' unanswered roster spots came a little more in focus Sunday morning.

Barring a trade or pickup over the next week, Matt Treanor appears locked into the backup catcher spot.

 

Treanor and veteran Mike DiFelice were the primary candidates to fill in for two-time All-Star Paul Lo Duca.

 

DiFelice, a non-roster invitee who signed a minor league contract on Dec. 23, was granted his unconditional release Sunday. The 35-year-old, who has 501 games of Major League experience, had an out clause in his contract that triggered on Sunday.

 

In the morning, DiFelice informed the team he would exercise that option, making him a free agent.

 

DiFelice's locker was cleared out by the time many Marlins got to the ballpark at Roger Dean Stadium.

 

"Somebody will sign him, probably," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said of DiFelice. "The way the catchers situation is today, there is nothing out there really. Major League-wise, here he was a free agent and he signed a minor league contract. Evidently, there wasn't anything out there, Major League-wise, before."

 

McKeon points out that DiFelice could get a chance at the Major League level if another team incurs an injury, or needs depth.

 

"Guys like Mike run into a situation where somebody gets hurt, and they might get an opportunity," McKeon said.

 

DiFelice appeared in 10 Grapefruit League games and was 7-for-25 (.280) with two RBIs.

 

Treanor has appeared in 12 spring games, and is batting .211. The 29-year-old received his Major League break in 2004 after spending 11 seasons in the minor leagues.

 

Treanor was called up last June after Ramon Castro injured his right big toe. In 29 big league games, Treanor hit .236 with one RBI.

 

Popular in the clubhouse, Treanor has won the respect of the pitchers. Lo Duca says Treanor will be a capable backup if he makes the Opening Day roster.

 

"Matt can play," Lo Duca said. "We've become good friends. I'm happy. I'm happy for Matt. I was sort of in his position, 10 years in the minor leagues. I know what it feels like. I know this is huge for him.

 

"I got close to Mike too, and Mike can play, too. Hopefully, he can go someplace and play, too. But I'm happy for Matt. He deserves something like this. He's very capable, on days I don't play, or God-willing, I get hurt."

 

Health permitting, Lo Duca is projected to play between 135-145 games.

 

"Whatever it takes," said Lo Duca, who appeared in 143 games a year ago. "If I need to take days off, I'm confident in Matt, whether it's 90 games, 110, 150, whatever it takes. Whatever Jack needs me to play, I'm going to play."

 

Considering the South Florida heat, Lo Duca says he will try to be more honest about how much he can play. Signed to a three-year contract in the offseason, the Marlins are counting on Lo Duca for the long haul.

 

"I'm stubborn," Lo Duca said. "I told Jack, 'You're going to have to give me some days off.' Some days I'm going to come in there wanting to play. I'm going to need days off, that's the bottom line."

 

While the job is all but his, Treanor isn't taking anything for granted.

 

"I still feel the same," Treanor said. "I've got to go out there and do what I do. Nothing has really changed. As far as my feelings towards Mike, he made a decision that was best for him and his family. He never came to me and talked about anything. I don't know what his thinking is right now.

 

"I never thought of it as me vs. him and wishing him bad or anything. I hope everything works out for him, and he continues to play, obviously."

 

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

FloridaMarlins.com article

 

Sorry if already posted.

Treanor will now be the backup and Jorg will be the starting catcher for the Topes it would seem. Good for both.

Damn, I thought DiFelice had it. I also thought I read that Jack wouldn't make the decision til' later in the week.

Damn, I thought DiFelice had it.? I also thought I read that Jack wouldn't make the decision til' later in the week.

 

Full text:

 

DiFelice out, Treanor in as backup

Veteran triggers clause, becomes free agent

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com?

 

Treanor and veteran Mike DiFelice were the primary candidates to fill in for two-time All-Star Paul Lo Duca.

 

DiFelice, a non-roster invitee who signed a minor league contract on Dec. 23, was granted his unconditional release Sunday. The 35-year-old, who has 501 games of Major League experience, had an out clause in his contract that triggered on Sunday.

 

In the morning, DiFelice informed the team he would exercise that option, making him a free agent.

 

DiFelice's locker was cleared out by the time many Marlins got to the ballpark at Roger Dean Stadium.

 

"Somebody will sign him, probably," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said of DiFelice. "The way the catchers situation is today, there is nothing out there really. Major League-wise, here he was a free agent and he signed a minor league contract. Evidently, there wasn't anything out there, Major League-wise, before."

 

McKeon points out that DiFelice could get a chance at the Major League level if another team incurs an injury, or needs depth.

 

"Guys like Mike run into a situation where somebody gets hurt, and they might get an opportunity," McKeon said.

 

DiFelice appeared in 10 Grapefruit League games and was 7-for-25 (.280) with two RBIs.

 

Treanor has appeared in 12 spring games, and is batting .211. The 29-year-old received his Major League break in 2004 after spending 11 seasons in the minor leagues.

 

Treanor was called up last June after Ramon Castro injured his right big toe. In 29 big league games, Treanor hit .236 with one RBI.

 

Popular in the clubhouse, Treanor has won the respect of the pitchers. Lo Duca says Treanor will be a capable backup if he makes the Opening Day roster.

 

"Matt can play," Lo Duca said. "We've become good friends. I'm happy. I'm happy for Matt. I was sort of in his position, 10 years in the minor leagues. I know what it feels like. I know this is huge for him.

 

"I got close to Mike too, and Mike can play, too. Hopefully, he can go someplace and play, too. But I'm happy for Matt. He deserves something like this. He's very capable, on days I don't play, or God-willing, I get hurt."

 

Health permitting, Lo Duca is projected to play between 135-145 games.

 

"Whatever it takes," said Lo Duca, who appeared in 143 games a year ago. "If I need to take days off, I'm confident in Matt, whether it's 90 games, 110, 150, whatever it takes. Whatever Jack needs me to play, I'm going to play."

 

Considering the South Florida heat, Lo Duca says he will try to be more honest about how much he can play. Signed to a three-year contract in the offseason, the Marlins are counting on Lo Duca for the long haul.

 

"I'm stubborn," Lo Duca said. "I told Jack, 'You're going to have to give me some days off.' Some days I'm going to come in there wanting to play. I'm going to need days off, that's the bottom line."

 

While the job is all but his, Treanor isn't taking anything for granted.

 

"I still feel the same," Treanor said. "I've got to go out there and do what I do. Nothing has really changed. As far as my feelings towards Mike, he made a decision that was best for him and his family. He never came to me and talked about anything. I don't know what his thinking is right now.

 

"I never thought of it as me vs. him and wishing him bad or anything. I hope everything works out for him, and he continues to play, obviously."

 

 

 

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I'm a little surprised but like the article says Treanor knows the staff well and is a good clubhouse guy I guess. I just pray that LoDuca doesn't go down with an injury.

why did he leave the marlins ?

nice having you DeFo, hopefully you catch on somewhere

why did he leave the marlins ?

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He didn't feel he'd make the team I suppose.

Its a good situation for everyone. Defo can now go on and wait and see if someone needs a backup catcher coming out of spring or if an injury occurs and he can jump right in. In the meantime, Treanor has been with this staff before, so he knows the situation going into the season.

 

 

Feel bad for Defo, but I think its all going to work out fine.

I was hoping DiFelice would get the nod over Treanor, ah well.

 

Time to go change my MVP 2005 dynasty .

With either of these catchers one has to pray that LoDuca stays healthy all year. Personally I would rather see Treanor in there in stead of DiFelice.

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

 

Not only did DiFelice out hit Treanor in ST, he has veteran experience behind the plate that would have been useful if Lo Duca needs a break or gets injured.

If Josh Willingham is sent to Triple A, who would be our cather at Carolina? If they send Josh to Triple A they should play him all around... 1B, LF, RF, 3B, C. That way, he can be called up to fill a variety of positions if the need arises. I hope Jorg gets to start in Albequerque so that he can refine his hitting skills and make it back up to the majors in case Treanor fails.

Congrats Matt!

 

What a year you've had! Keep it rolling!

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

 

Not only did DiFelice out hit Treanor in ST, he has veteran experience behind the plate that would have been useful if Lo Duca needs a break or gets injured.

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Really? Tell that to Lo Duca...or Kevin Millar....or how about Johnny Estrada? Should I keep going?

 

Regardless of who the backup was....if Lo Duca gets injured Willingam will be the one starting, not Treanor(or DiFelice if he was kept). They are BACKUP catchers -- guys who can fill in once or twice every other week to give your starter a break. I like Treanor -- he's not going to light the world on fire but will do his job.

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

 

Not only did DiFelice out hit Treanor in ST, he has veteran experience behind the plate that would have been useful if Lo Duca needs a break or gets injured.

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There was also a reason why DiFelice was sent back to the minors. He was a mediocre backup.

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

Wade. Boggs.

 

The reason Treanor spent so much time in the minors is because he was always blocked by a solid starting catcher and the best backup in baseball in Mike Redmond, and the fact that the organization was very high on Ramon Castro.

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

Wade. Boggs.

 

The reason Treanor spent so much time in the minors is because he was always blocked by a solid starting catcher and the best backup in baseball in Mike Redmond, and the fact that the organization was very high on Ramon Castro.

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I dont get the Boggs comment

I like Treanor and I think he will do just fine as back-up catcher.Congrats Matt! :thumbup

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

Wade. Boggs.

 

The reason Treanor spent so much time in the minors is because he was always blocked by a solid starting catcher and the best backup in baseball in Mike Redmond, and the fact that the organization was very high on Ramon Castro.

722318[/snapback]

 

I dont get the Boggs comment

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He was one of those guys that spent forever in the minors, and then he came up and because a Hall of Famer.

Mark my words, we're going to regret this later. I don't like Treanor at all, there's a reason why you spend so many years in the minors. It's because you're not good.

Wade. Boggs.

 

The reason Treanor spent so much time in the minors is because he was always blocked by a solid starting catcher and the best backup in baseball in Mike Redmond, and the fact that the organization was very high on Ramon Castro.

722318[/snapback]

 

I dont get the Boggs comment

722320[/snapback]

He was one of those guys that spent forever in the minors, and then he came up and because a Hall of Famer.

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I mean, he made his debut at 24 and never went back down... Treanor made his debut at 28

Traditionally, Back-Up catcher is not all that important. Usually, a mid-thirties, good defense, no stick. Ability to handle pitchers. (Younger talent we keep in the Minors to develop.)

 

One of the best I've ever seen is Mike Redmond.

Now, FO has dug a hole for itself by trading Redmond.

 

I like Treanor for lots of reasons. But, DeFelice was better.

With LoDuca, we need a good back-up. He's not going the whole season.

 

My off-the-wall-prediction... we will see Jorgy up before All-Star Break.

I dont know why some of you are being such Treanor homers for. He had a great opportunity to show he can handle the Majors last season and really didn't impress. I don't see how this year would be any different.

Traditionally, Back-Up catcher is not all that important. Usually, a mid-thirties, good defense, no stick. Ability to handle pitchers. (Younger talent we keep in the Minors to develop.)

 

One of the best I've ever seen is Mike Redmond.

Now, FO has dug a hole for itself by trading Redmond.

 

I like Treanor for lots of reasons. But, DeFelice was better.

With LoDuca, we need a good back-up. He's not going the whole season.

 

My off-the-wall-prediction... we will see Jorgy up before All-Star Break.

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The FO didn't trade Redmond. He signed with the Twins for more money than we were willing to offer him.

Disappointing news...Treanor couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag.