Orioles claim catcher Cam Gallagher

[RZNJ]

3 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

I don't like giving up plus defense catchers.  To me they have value in the minors if nothing else.  I'd rather pitching prospects pitch to a guy behind the plate that can block and frame pitches.

 

I honestly don't remember Heim having a top defensive reputation when he was an O's farmhand.  I think he was considered an offensive first prospect.   Not that he was considered poor defensively.   I just don't think defense was his calling card.

I stand corrected.  Baseball America writeup in 2016.

Ranked Baltimore Orioles #15 prospect in 2016
The Orioles signed the switch-hitting Heim, a 2013 fourth-round pick, for slot at $389,700 to bypass his Michigan State commitment. He suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot in late May 2015 while sliding into second base. He avoided surgery but didn't return until late August. Heim's defensive skills are ahead of his offense right now, though his swing is mechanically sound, with solid bat speed from both sides and more success so far from the right side. On defense Heim shows plus skills with blocking and receiving along with a plus arm. His pop times are consistently 2.0 seconds or better on throws to second base, and he shows good balance and accuracy. Heim needs to continue to improve his strength and plate discipline but has a great body with excellent makeup. He could move to high Class A Frederick in 2016.

Edited September 13, 2022 by RZNJ

[RZNJ]

More from BA on Heim:

Ranked Oakland Athletics #29 prospect in 2019
Track Record: Heim reached Double-A in the second half of 2018. While he scuffled in the Texas League, it marked key progress for the switch-hitting catcher drafted by the Orioles in the fourth round in 2013 out of a suburban Buffalo high school. Baltimore traded Heim to the Rays for Steve Pearce in 2016, then Tampa Bay traded him to the Athletics for Joey Wendle after the 2017 season.

Scouting Report: In his first season in the Oakland system, Heim threw out 33 percent of basestealers with average arm strength but above-average pop times. He receives and blocks well with an ease of operation behind the plate and feel for calling a game. Heim makes steady contact and works the middle of the field. He has the raw power for double-digit home runs with a leveraged, strength-oriented swing.

The Future: Scouts who like Heim see him developing into a second-division catcher or backup.

[Tony-OH]

Biggest issue I see with Gallagher is that he would probably be asked to start against left-handers when Adley needs a rest or Sunday starters, but he has reverse splits slashing just .200/.266/.304/.570 in his career against lefties. 

Obviously you have to like the defense, but I don't see why the Orioles would use a 40-man spot for him this offseason. Release him and then sign him to a minor league contract that would pay him 900K if he makes the team. He would be front runner and a placeholder until Maverick Handley is deemed ready. I'll be honest, Handley's bat probably is what it's going to be, but his defense is major league ready. BTW, small sample size, bat Handley slashed .256/.326/.667/.992 in 43 PAs against southpaws. in AA this year. 

I'd be ok with those two battling out for the backup spot. Maybe resign Bemboom as AAA depth along with Cody Roberts (too many PBs) and the loser of the Gallagher/Handley battle.

[Legend_Of_Joey]

 

[CharmCityHokie]

4 hours ago, Can_of_corn said:

Or we could have had Adley and Jonah Heim.

Check out that second link, it's a heck of a play.

The Rangers have clearly fully given up, their bench was in a coma as that happened. It looked like no one even reacted, not even a facial expression change. Awesome play by Heim.

[Tony-OH]

1 hour ago, Legend_Of_Joey said:

 

Can't believe no one wanted a 5-foot-9 right-hander with no out pitch.