More Catching Help Could be on the Way

For those of you who have watched the Rays a lot this year, the lack of offense from Tampa’s catchers has been a concern. John Jaso and Kelly Shoppach were hardly hitting their weight and when Jaso got hurt in early July, the Rays promoted Jose Lobaton. Lobaton immediately got hurt, which forced Robinson Chirinos to the big leagues. Chirinos is only hitting .172/.250/.207 in 29 at bats. The jury is still out on what the 27 year old will eventually do.

The Rays have another catcher in them minor leagues who could get the call before the year is out: Stephen Vogt. The 26 year old, has made his way up the Rays’ minor league latter the past few years, excelling at each stop. Fansided’s minor league blog Seedlings to Stars recently profiled Vogt and his possible impact on the Rays and frankly I’m intrigued at his potential. He was originally drafted as a left fielder before being converted to a catcher. He still plays some outfield as well as first base. With him on the roster, assuming he continues to hit close to the .301/.344/.487 clip he did with Double A Montgomery, he would provide the Rays with another utility player that would save a valuable roster spot.

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