There are always exceptions to rules it seems, and the concept that the catching position is more of a defensive than offensive position follows suit. Down on the Baltimore Orioles’ farm (Baysox), a pair of catchers are proving the position can produce quite a bit off offense as well.
The AA Bowie Baysox have two catchers on their active roster with both getting about the same amount of playing time (offensively), and thus far in 2017, both Austin Wynns and Audry Perez are producing at the plate.
Wynns, 26, burst onto the Orioles’ fan scene this spring when he was a bit of a standout, and has picked up right where he left off.
Over 12 games played thus far, Wynns is hitting a team-high .442 with two home runs, four doubles, six RBI, six runs scored and has drawn four walks. He also boasts a .479 OBP and a 1.154 OPS.
Perhaps the most impressive of all his stats is the fact that he has recorded at least one hit in each of the 12 games he has played in thus far.
While both base stealers have been successful thus far against Wynns, he has allowed just one passed ball, and is coming off a 2016 season that saw him throw out 45% of potential base stealers.
Perez, 28, began this season with Bowie due to the fact that Francisco Pena and Chance Sisco are with the AAA Norfolk Tides, despite the fact that Perez was the lone All-Star for the Tides in 2016.
That has not stopped him at the plate though, as Perez has hit .345 with six doubles, seven RBI and eight runs scored over 13 games so far this season.
Prior to Sunday’s game where he went 0-4, Perez has hit in six straight and owned a .435 average (10-23) over that stretch.
Behind the plate, Perez has thrown out 60% (3-5) of potential base stealers and has allowed just one passed ball.
Bowie as a lot of talent worth the price of admission this year at Prince George’s Stadium, and so far in 2017, it doesn’t matter who is behind the plate, the Baysox are getting offense from their catching position.
By: Josh Michael
Founder/Editor BabyBirdland
