2019+ Positional Review Series: Catcher

[Greg Pappas]

In this new thread series, I’m seeking to start a review of our organization. It’s my hope that we can generate a lot of discussion about where we stand currently, and what the future may hold-- position-by-position.  Regarding minor leaguers, I’d like to keep the focus on players that are our better prospects, as well as those that have a reasonable chance to contribute at the major league level for years to come.  If I miss a player that you feel should be featured, please note it.  Also, if ANYONE wants to work on the remaining series thread (Starters) please shoot me a message. I'd be happy to get any help. Thanks. Lastly, I'll list each 'position' below and add links as they're completed.

2019+ Positional Review Series: Catcher
2019+ Positional Review Series: 1B/DH
2019+ Positional Review Series: 2B
2019+ Positional Review Series: SS
2019+ Positional Review Series: 3B
2019+ Positional Review Series: Outfielders / Nice write-ups from @Legend_Of_Joey 
2019+ Positional Review Series: Starters
2019+ Positional Review Series: Relievers / @Thato'sfan created this /

Anyway... First up, Catcher.

MLB:

• Caleb Joseph  R/R 6'3-185, Age 32-047d
• Austin Wynns  R/R, 6'2-205, Age: 27-237d

Minors:

• Chance Sisco (AAA)  L/R, 6'2-195, Age 22-190d
• Andrew Susac (AAA)  R/R, 6'1-215, Age: 28-135d
• Brett Cumberland (AA) S/R, 5'11-205, Age: 23-040d
• Martin Cervenka (AA) R/R, 6'4-225, Age: 26-001d

My initial thoughts (limited as they are) are that only Chance Sisco and Brett Cumberland have any hope of being average-to-above average starting catchers in the majors, and unfortunately, neither of them are hitting well so far this season. As well, neither are considered strong defenders, though they may be serviceable if their bats play. The 22-year old Sisco may yet develop into the guy we need to hold down the spot for many years to come, but he's far from a sure thing.  

Overall, I'm of the opinion that we could use more and better depth. If the opportunity to acquire a stud catcher presents itself, via trade or the draft, it wouldn't surprise me to see us take it.  What does the future hold?  The crystal baseball is cloudy. Thoughts?

[sportsfan8703]

Joseph is only 86 days older than Wynns?  haha

[Can_of_corn]

1 minute ago, sportsfan8703 said:

Joseph is only 86 days older than Wynns?  haha

Wynns is a good story to have made it to the majors at all.

[Greg Pappas]

2 minutes ago, sportsfan8703 said:

Joseph is only 86 days older than Wynns?  haha

I fixed that in the OP, thanks.

[Ohfan67]

31 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

Wynns is a good story to have made it to the majors at all.

It’s the Caleb Joseph development program. 

[El Gordo]

Might get  decent back up out of that bunch if you're lucky.

[Legend_Of_Joey]

I would like to include Martin Cervenka. 

Currently in Bowie and doing very well. Minor League Rule 5 pick. 

I don't think he will be a full fledged All Star, but could be a viable starter. 

[Bahama O's Fan]

Keep in mind that Sisco is the same age as a catcher coming out of college.

[spiritof66]

1 minute ago, Legend_Of_Joey said:

I would like to include Martin Cervenka. 

Currently in Bowie and doing very well. Minor League Rule 5 pick. 

I don't think he will be a full fledged All Star, but could be a viable starter. 

I was about to ask about Cervenka. I've read some positive things about him, especially defensively. 

More important, thanks for doing these positional write-ups. It's a big help to me and, I'm sure, many others.

[Greg Pappas]

20 minutes ago, Legend_Of_Joey said:

I would like to include Martin Cervenka. 

Currently in Bowie and doing very well. Minor League Rule 5 pick. 

I don't think he will be a full fledged All Star, but could be a viable starter. 

Added. Thank you.

[ScGO's]

What ever happened to Alex Murphy?  He looked alright for a couple seasons after he was drafted and he used to catch.  Is he still in the org?

Also a guy I've been intrigued by at the lower levels is Jose Lizarraga.  I don't know much about him, just seems to show decent numbers both offensively and defensively in limited time.  And he's young.

I also feel like Cody Roberts might have a shot.  Maybe.  Not sure about Ben Breazeale either after a decent first season.  Jean Carrillo was hitting well into June than started to tank, but he wasn't never known as a big hitter.  Everyone else looks like org filler.

Audrey Perez could get a couple more cups of coffee.

[Greg Pappas]

BTW, I added the following to the OP, but wanted to put it here as well.

If ANYONE wants to work on the remaining series threads (1B, 2B, SS, 3B, Outfielders, Starters, Relievers) please shoot me a message. I'd be happy to get any help. Thanks.

[Frobby]

51 minutes ago, spiritof66 said:

I was about to ask about Cervenka. I've read some positive things about him, especially defensively. 

More important, thanks for doing these positional write-ups. It's a big help to me and, I'm sure, many others.

Cervenka had a tremendous July at the plate.    MiL players of the month for us.  

[panick]

56 minutes ago, Bahama O's Fan said:

Keep in mind that Sisco is the same age as a catcher coming out of college.

Maybe that's who the O's should take in next year's draft - the catcher from Oregon State.

[Greg Pappas]

30 minutes ago, panick said:

Maybe that's who the O's should take in next year's draft - the catcher from Oregon State.

Adley Rutschmann was a beast this year, and if he has another big year he'll likely be among the top few picks in the draft.  Naturally, it's a long way off, but he could wind up being a target of ours.