Cincinnati Reds started a catching battle with the first spring training game

The Cincinnati Reds gave playing time behind the plate to Rob Brantly and Stuart Turner in the first spring training game signaling a change at catcher.

When the Cincinnati Reds started playing spring training games it became obvious that Devin Mesoraco was out to start the season.  Rob Brantly and Stuart Turner had the lead over Chad Wallach and Shawn Zarraga by virtue of playing that first game to be Tucker Barnhart’s back-up.  Barnhart has improved during his time with the Reds, but he still has room to grow.  Given that Brantly started the game, it appeared that he had the overall lead, but that has since changed.

Rob Brantly is a defense first catcher that didn’t play in the majors in 2016.  He is a former starter for the Miami Marlins, who didn’t last a full season in that role.  As a left-handed batter he would have had an advantage if he was just backing up the right-handed batting Devin Mesoraco but not Tucker Barnhart too.

Stephen Turner came over from the Minnesota Twins’ organization via the Rule 5 Draft.  He is also a defense first catcher, but he had no experience at the MLB level before he made the Opening Day roster.  Turner had never even played above the Double-A level.

That this duo started the first game says volumes about the Reds’ approach to the 2017 season.  Last year Barnhart was good, but had the worst CERA (catcher’s ERA) of any regular in MLB.  This season the Reds are starting the games with two of the best defensive catchers in the organization behind home plate, while the best one on the MLB roster is on the DL to start the season.

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Neither of the two catchers did much to change their status with the Cincinnati Reds during the first game, but Turner’s bat separated him by Opening Day.

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Brantly did as expected this spring.  He looked good behind the plate and solid in his pitch calling.  He also looked weak batting, but this was just spring training games.

Turner’s spring was a little bit of a different story.  He looked great at the plate where he hit .382.  Behind the plate he looked fine, but some of his pitch selections may have impacted the relievers’ performances.

After the first game, neither catcher disappointed.  Turner may have done a little bit better this spring, but it is such a small sample that it was tough to tell.  The team judged Brantly on his offense throughout spring.

For Mesoraco and Barnhart spring training was all about getting ready for the regular season.  For the other four catchers invited to spring training it was about earning a roster spot.  Turner and Brantly showed themselves worthy of that faith.

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As opening day approached the Turner separated himself both in practice and the games.  Brantly and Turner had to show that they could hit.  Wallach and Zarrraga had to show off their defensive skills.  Now Turner is battling Barnhart to be the starting catcher as Mesoraco is on a minor league rehab assignment.  The battle between Barnhart and Turner may be for the starting role in 2017 and beyond with Mesoraco’s health history.