One area the Orioles seem to have little worry about for 2015 is catching. Assuming Matt Wieters returns for opening day, Caleb Joseph can be a dependable backup. When Wieters was injured in May, Joseph was brought up from Norfolk after years in the minor leagues and in many ways, he surpassed expectations. Joseph, who spent so many years at Bowie that he is now probably an honorary resident of Prince George’s County, had a quicker adjustment defensively than he did offensively to the majors. He threw out an impressive 40 percent of runners trying to steal on him, and was credited with calling effective games. Joseph’s defense was always a question in the minors, but he impressed the Orioles in spring training. Joseph stayed with the team in spring training longer than Johnny Monell, who was on the 40-man roster, and he beat out Steve Clevenger. Clevenger had substantial big league experience, and while he made the team out of spring training, he was sent down to Norfolk in late May. Joseph and Nick Hundley, who was acquired from San Diego after Wieters was hurt, shared the job. At first Joseph struggled at the plate. In May, he was just 2-for-29, but July and August were strong for him. He hit .271 and .371. -Os Nation
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:30:13 +0000
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