A look at catching throughout the organization.  Problems up top and some excitement down below. 

Lehigh Valley

Koyie Hill, 35, Signed as a free agent in 2014; .227/.333/.352 in 176 AB’s; 3HR 17RBI; 14%bb/22%k rates; .125 vs. LHP; .266 vs. RHP; .231 last month; .275 with RISP; 46 games at C with 2 errors (.993); 3 passed balls; 38%CS rate; (13/34). Grade: C+; 2015: Most likely another organization or retired; Hill gave the ‘Pigs exactly what was anticipated with a bit of offense through an excellent walk rate, very solid defense and organizational depth at catcher which was needed in the bigs for an extended period with Ruiz and Nieves both out.

Cameron Rupp, Soon to be 26, Phils 3rd round pick in 2010; .165/.256/.299 in 194 AB’s with Lehigh Valley; 6HR 19RBI; 10%bb/36%k rate; .218 vs. LHP; .144 vs. RHP; .160 with RISP; .194 over last month; 56 games caught with 3 errors (.992); 4passed balls; 29%CS rate (14/48); Grade: D-; 2015: Lehigh Valley.  Rupp has just an awful year with the bat, during a season in which I expected him to step up and find himself knocking on the door for the backup catcher position in 2015.  AFter an early season trip to the DL, Rupp was never the same, albeit still doing a decent job defensively. With one option remaining, next years production will make the difference between whether Rupp is the 2016 Phils backup or likely in another organization by them. Continue reading Report Card–Catchers →