Houston Astros: True or False, Team is Looking Outside For Backup Catcher

Should the Houston Astros Trade for a Backup Catcher?

Everyone in the baseball world knows what is going on with the Houston Astros, and they currently do not have a backup catcher who has taken the job following Max Stassi‘s injury. The internal candidates for the backup catcher role are Roberto Pena and Tyler Heineman. The Chronicle’s Evan Drellich appears to be in the Pena corner while I believe that Heineman is the guy as I wrote here: Houston Astros: Got a Backup Catcher?

There are several people inside and outside the organization who feel like neither one is really ready for this role, as they have struggled to hit for power or a high batting averages the past few seasons in the minors. They are both viewed as plus defenders behind the plate with Pena a little better while Heineman may have a more polished bat.

However, a few outside names were linked to the Astros yesterday by various media outlets.

A.J. Jimenez (Toronto Blue Jays)

This is not the same Jimerson that played with the Astros before, and the last name is Jimenez, and he was drafted by the Blue Jays in the ninth round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of High School. The Jays have Russell Martin and Josh Thole, so they are looking to get something in return for the player who was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V draft.

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Jimenez has played in the minors for eight seasons, accumulating only 21 homers with a career slash line of .272/ .314/ .381/ .694. At first glance, it may appear that he is not a better option than the current candidates. Unlike the internal options, Jimenez is performing well this spring. He could be a late bloomer, this spring he is hitting .429/ one homer/ six RBI/ 1.143 OPS.

According to Jose de Jesus Ortiz, the Blue Jays started Jimenez to showcase him for the Astros and other scouts. This could be true, but we will have to see what the Blue Jays ask for.

Bryan Holaday (Detroit Tigers)

The Tigers are in a situation where they have too many catchers on the 40-man roster, and Holaday is out of options so the Tigers would have to carry three catchers or risk losing him to waivers. Unlike Jimenez, Holaday has major league experience for parts of the past few seasons with the Tigers. Holaday also has had a hot spring by hitting .500/ four homers/ 12 RBI/ 1.728 OPS.

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While there have not been any direct links, Peter Gammons thinks that he is a prime candidate to be moved before opening day. However, after talking with the FanSided editor of Motor City Bengals, he feels that they are trying Holaday out at multiple positions to increase their flexibility. He will definitely not be put on waivers, but he could be had in a trade. His value is definitely skyrocketing right now.

Next: Houston Astros: Got a Backup Catcher?

Some veterans that the Astros could look at trading for include Derek Norris and Carlos Corporan. The rosters will start to form over the next week, so expect an increase in discussions as team weaknesses begin to show. Should the Astros not be sold on the in-house options, these are just a few names.

**Stats from MLB.com**