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Seattle Mariners Spring Battles: Backup Catcher

By Brian Helberg |
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Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher

Mike Zunino

(3) catches bullpen during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners have done a fantastic job this offseason of adding to their roster. The M’s finished just one game shy of making their first postseason appearance since 2001, and Jack Zduriencik was on mission this winter to put them over the top. Just like most clubs at this time of year, the M’s still have a few positions up for grabs. We are now a couple weeks into spring training games, and we thought it would be an appropriate time to update fans on the most intriguing Mariners’ position battles.

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Today we will breakdown the backup catcher position. This competition has been been one of the lesser talked about spring training battles. The Mariners are lucky enough to have one of the premier young backstops in the game in Mike Zunino. At just 23-years-old, Zunino did a fabulous job with the M’s pitching staff in 2014. Zunino is a true power threat and is likely to improve upon his 22 long balls last season. Zunino is having a great spring thus far, and is the unquestioned starting catcher for the Mariners in 2015.

However, Zunino will need some days off, and the Mariners currently have a number of catchers competing to handle the backup duties this season. Jesus Sucre, John Baker, and John Hicks are the most likely candidates to spell Zunino in 2015.

We will begin the list with Jesus Sucre, who was the M’s backup catcher for the second half of last season, and is currently the heavy favorite to do so again in 2015.

Next: The Favorite

Jul 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Sucre (2) prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Favorite: Jesus Sucre

Jesus Sucre has had a slow start to spring training this month. He has recorded just one hit in his first 12 at bats, but Sucre does have two runs batted in to his name. As always, he has done a nice job behind the plate. Sucre has received the most opportunities of anyone on this list so far in spring training, and has to be considered the favorite to once again function as the Mariners’ backup catcher in 2015.

Jesus Sucre made his big league debut during the 2013 season, but did not see extended action until mid-way through last season. Sucre was called up to the M’s in early July, and appeared in 21 games down the stretch. The 26-year-old performed reasonably well, hitting .213, and playing solid defense. Sucre committed just 1 error in 160.0 innings, and threw out 29% of potential base stealers. These numbers are impressive, but some questioned Sucre’s effort at times defensively. Jesus posted 0.2 wins above replacement last summer in the Emerald City.

The Venezuelan product has a strong track record of success in the minor leagues. Sucre has hit .282 with 2 home runs and 24 RBI’s across 262 career at bats in triple-A. He has walked just 11 times during his time in Tacoma, but he has still managed to post a .313 career on base percentage. Sucre did a great job defensively with the Rainiers, registering a .993 fielding percentage, and throwing out 42% of potential base stealers.

Defense is generally the deciding factor when choosing a backup catcher, and Jesus Sucre is the best defender amongst his competitors. I like what Sucre brings to the table, and I would hazard a guess that Sucre will win the backup catcher job out of spring training.

Next: The Underdog

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher John Baker poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Underdog: John Baker

Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2002 draft by the Oakland A’s, John Baker was signed by the Mariners to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training this offseason. Baker has performed nicely in limited opportunities early in spring training. The 34-year-old backstop has gone 2 for 6 with a double and a RBI through 3 games. He should get more chances to play going forward now that catching prospects Tyler Marlette and Marcus Littlewood have been reassigned to minor league camp.

John Baker was the backup catcher for the Chicago Cubs in 2014. Baker hit just .192 with no home runs and 15 RBI’s over the course of 182 at bats. These numbers are atrocious, but Baker does a nice job working counts and he posted a .273 on base percentage. Baker has hit .247 with 14 home runs and 120 RBI’s during his seven-year career. Always though of as a plus defender, Baker brings a .992 career fielding percentage with him to the Pacific Northwest. He is not a strong-armed backstop however, and gunned down just 15% of potential base stealers in 2014.

John Baker is the definition of a wily veteran. He went to Cal-Berkeley, and is obviously a smart man. Baker also possesses the most big league experience of anyone on this list. However, at this point, I do not expect Baker to make the Mariners’ opening day roster. It will require a very strong finish in spring training to turn me into a believer.

Next: The Dark Horse

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher John Hicks plays for the Surprise Saguaros during an Arizona Fall League game against the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Dark Horse: John Hicks

John Hicks is currently ranked 14th in MLB.com’s recently released list of the top 30 prospects in the Mariners’ organization. Hicks was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 draft out of the University of Virginia. The 26-year-old backstop has fared well thus far in spring training, going 3 for 9 with 1 double and 1 RBI. Hicks has appeared in 7 games this spring, and he has done a nice job defensively.

The Goochland, VA product started last season with the Jackson Generals of the Southern League, before earning a promotion to the Tacoma Rainiers in early July. Hicks posted a .290 batting average with 5 home runs and 47 RBI’s across 290 plate appearances between Jackson and Tacoma. Hicks registered a .351 on base percentage and slugged .403 in 2014. Hicks recorded a .996 fielding percentage last season, and threw out 38% of potential base stealers.

While it is unlikely John Hicks breaks camp with the M’s, I could easily see him making his big league debut at some point during the 2015 season. Hicks could use a tad bit more seasoning and should start the year with the Rainiers.

Next: Seattle Mariners' Spring Battles: Second Southpaw Reliever

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