The Seattle Mariners are in the midst of a rebuilding season. Most of the dead weight veterans have made way for the youth movement with the exception of Miguel Olivo.
The Seattle Mariner catcher is batting .111 and needs to get things going at the dish sooner than later. Olivo who is playing his second season of a two-year $7million contract, has had only two extra base hits in 40 at-bats.
Currently the Mariners have three catchers on their roster – Olivo, Jesus Montero, & John Jaso. The Mariners acquired Jaso last off-season from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Josh Lueke. Jaso, who bats left-handed, has played well in limited playing time and is expected to see more action as the season continues.
Montero is the future catcher but will be introduced slowly to the position. The Mariners need his bat much more than his glove. He will split time between catching and the DH. Olivo’s incompetence with batting will likely expedite Montero’s progression defensively as the season progresses.
The catcher position is a unique one, where defense is equal or more important to offense. The catcher calls the game and is the quarterback of the defense. Olivo has been okay behind the plate. He is leading the American League in passed balls with 2 and has thrown out .44% of would-be base stealers.
I’d understand it if the Mariners were starting Olivo, as a mentor for a young pitching staff in need of a veteran catcher. But the pitching staff doesn’t need that.
Staff ace Felix Hernandez has started 208 games in his career and has a good understanding on what he wants to do every time he takes the mound. Jason Vargas has started 101 games, along with Kevin Milwood who has started 416. Neither of them depends on Olivo’s experience.
That leaves Hector Noesi and Blake Beavan. Noesi was traded by the Yankees, along with future catcher Jesus Montero this off-season for phenom Michael Pineada. Montero and Noesi were both groomed in the Yankee farm system. Last Saturday, Noesi pitched a shut out against the Oakland Athletics, with Montero catching. It seems like they have developed a good chemistry.
Blake Beavan is the pitcher who would benefit from Olivo calling games. Beavan has started 17 games in major leagues and could lean on Olivo’s experience. Maybe management is keeping Olivo around because of the talented pitching in the minors, Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, and James Paxton with players potentially being called up this year.
Last place teams start players like Olivo. If the Mariners were in last place, starting a player like Olivo would be understandable. He was signed for his leadership and experience. Unfortunately his poor hitting makes him a liability. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t finish the season with the Mariners.
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