BSB | 2018 Season Preview: Catchers
2/7/2018 1:33:00 PM | Baseball
Part 1:Infielders
Part 2: Outfielders
Part 3: Pitchers
Part 4: Catchers
SAN FRANCISCO - The biggest question mark for the Dons as they head into the 2018 season will be the starting catching role, after Dominic Miroglio was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft.
"We've been pretty spoiled in the catching area with Ryan Matranga and Dom Miroglio," said Nino Giarratano. "Miroglio played almost every single game last year, and Riley Helland spelled him in about four or five games. The year before that, when he (Miroglio) was injured, Ryan played almost every single game. So, we're in a situation catching wise where we're going to someone new."
Entering the season as the backstop for the Dons will be junior Riley Helland, after appearing in 36 games, primarily as a designated hitter, in the 2017 season. He hit .308 on the year with three doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs.
"Helland is the guy that has the leadership skills to step in that role and be our number one," said Giarratano. "This is a position change for him, coming to USF as a shortstop/second baseman, and he's made a great transition now to being a catcher."
Along with his job of working with the pitching staff, Helland will be asked to hit in the fifth spot in the lineup this year, behind Michael Perri.
"Helland does a fantastic job steadying our pitching staff with his great baseball mind and skill set," said Giarratano.
Behind Helland will be Rob Emery, a transfer from Dartmouth College. After sitting out last year as a transfer, Emery will spend most of the year as a designated hitter, while providing Helland with a day off from behind the plate.
"Emery will be a great number two and fighting for the starting role," said Giarratano. "We will either DH him or Helland, or catch one of the two, but both of those bats will be in the lineup almost every single day."
Two freshmen, John McKee and Thomas McCarthy, will also play a role in the 2018 season. Both are strong on the defensive side of the game, while learning the pitching staff and the system.
Rounding out the depth chart in the catching position is utility player, Matt Campos. Campos made his one starting 2017 at second base, while making 18 appearances overall.
"We got five guys that are ready to play in the catching position, and it wouldn't be odd to see Matt Campos play at that position," said Giarratano. "I think this is going to be a great group, but it's obviously our biggest question mark. If we do that job well this team has a chance of being very successful."
Part 2: Outfielders
Part 3: Pitchers
Part 4: Catchers
SAN FRANCISCO - The biggest question mark for the Dons as they head into the 2018 season will be the starting catching role, after Dominic Miroglio was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft.
"We've been pretty spoiled in the catching area with Ryan Matranga and Dom Miroglio," said Nino Giarratano. "Miroglio played almost every single game last year, and Riley Helland spelled him in about four or five games. The year before that, when he (Miroglio) was injured, Ryan played almost every single game. So, we're in a situation catching wise where we're going to someone new."
Entering the season as the backstop for the Dons will be junior Riley Helland, after appearing in 36 games, primarily as a designated hitter, in the 2017 season. He hit .308 on the year with three doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs.
"Helland is the guy that has the leadership skills to step in that role and be our number one," said Giarratano. "This is a position change for him, coming to USF as a shortstop/second baseman, and he's made a great transition now to being a catcher."
Along with his job of working with the pitching staff, Helland will be asked to hit in the fifth spot in the lineup this year, behind Michael Perri.
"Helland does a fantastic job steadying our pitching staff with his great baseball mind and skill set," said Giarratano.
Behind Helland will be Rob Emery, a transfer from Dartmouth College. After sitting out last year as a transfer, Emery will spend most of the year as a designated hitter, while providing Helland with a day off from behind the plate.
"Emery will be a great number two and fighting for the starting role," said Giarratano. "We will either DH him or Helland, or catch one of the two, but both of those bats will be in the lineup almost every single day."
Two freshmen, John McKee and Thomas McCarthy, will also play a role in the 2018 season. Both are strong on the defensive side of the game, while learning the pitching staff and the system.
Rounding out the depth chart in the catching position is utility player, Matt Campos. Campos made his one starting 2017 at second base, while making 18 appearances overall.
"We got five guys that are ready to play in the catching position, and it wouldn't be odd to see Matt Campos play at that position," said Giarratano. "I think this is going to be a great group, but it's obviously our biggest question mark. If we do that job well this team has a chance of being very successful."
Players Mentioned
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