By Robert Cunningham, AngelsWin.com Staff Writer
2013 Outlook: Chris is coming off an injury season where he only saw action in 79 Major League games. Look for Iannetta to bat in the back part of the lineup, probably in the 8-hole, behind Kendrick/Callaspo and in front of Bourjos on the average day.
Iannetta brings a great batting eye to the plate as evidenced by his career 0.354 on-base percentage (OBP) and has a career .190 Isolated Power percentage (ISO). The expectation is that if runners are on Chris can either power the ball out of the park or take a walk as necessary. Also don’t be surprised to see that when Chris gets on base, Scioscia runs a bunt or hit and run with someone like Bourjos hitting behind him who has tremendous speed.
Expect Chris to gather about 100 games played this season as the starting catcher. Traditionally, new catchers are generally eased into the role so I would expect Conger to truly be in the back up role at least for this season and probably the next as Iannetta is signed for three more seasons (through the 2015 season).
In the end Chris is a fairly reliable, above average back stop for the Angels pitching staff and his quiet but steady demeanor should help calm and ease the new pitchers who are in Anaheim this year.
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