Murphy Set to Back Up Bailey
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Giants, led by one of the best catchers in MLB history and a catcher as their manager, are well-positioned at the catching position this season. Patrick Bailey, the reigning Gold Glove Award winner, is a strong favorite to retain his starting spot as he enters his third year with the team. Manager Bob Melvin plans to continue relying heavily on Bailey, who rarely requests a break. However, when the need arises for a backup, Tom Murphy is the likely choice, according to President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey and General Manager Zack Minasian.
Posey and Minasian added three new catching options to the spring training roster—Sam Huff, Max Stassi, and Logan Porter—but Posey anticipates that Murphy will end up as Bailey’s backup. Murphy’s 2022 season was largely derailed by a knee injury, limiting him to just 13 games. Despite this setback, he has returned to full strength and is expected to be ready for the upcoming season. “I think that’s our anticipation that he’s the backup catcher, but we’re also excited about the other guys that are in camp,” Posey remarked. “You never know what’s going to happen in baseball. I’m hopeful that’s their mindset, that they’re coming in and knowing that strange things happen sometimes.”
New Catching Prospects in Camp
The Giants have a solid roster of catchers in camp, each bringing their own set of skills and experiences. Sam Huff, a former top 100 prospect, has the advantage of being on the 40-man roster after being claimed from the Texas Rangers last month. He boasts 78 games of big league experience and has shown promise with multiple 20-homer seasons in the minors. Logan Porter, who played 11 games with the Kansas City Royals two seasons ago, spent part of last season with Triple-A Sacramento. Both Huff and Porter are non-roster invitees on minor league deals.
Max Stassi, the most experienced of the trio, has 10 years of big league experience, primarily facing the Giants while playing for the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels. Stassi is known for his strong defensive skills, particularly his pitch-framing abilities. Melvin, who has often faced Stassi during his tenure with the A’s, praised his glove work and soft hands. “Max was a guy that drove me crazy on the other side. He was one of the original (pitch) framers that was really good at that,” Melvin said. “He has had some injury stuff, some hip stuff, which is tough on a catcher. But he’s fully healthy now, he’s a full go, and he still really has soft hands.” The Giants are hopeful that these new additions, along with Murphy, will provide depth and flexibility in case of any unforeseen circumstances during the season.
Murphy’s Recent Health Update
Tom Murphy, who signed a two-year deal to be Bailey’s right-handed partner, was absent from part of Thursday’s workout due to back spasms. However, Posey assured that Murphy’s knee, which was the source of his 2022 injury, is doing fine. “Barring a surprise, he’s going to be our backup catcher,” Posey stated. The Giants have learned from the past, particularly when Murphy’s injury forced them to trade for Curt Casali, a former Posey backup. This time, they are confident that if they need additional help, they can turn to their Triple-A roster, which now includes Huff, Stassi, and Porter.
Wade Jr.’s Health and Role
LaMonte Wade Jr., the first baseman, has had ongoing issues with his legs, particularly his left hamstring, which he strained on May 28. At the time, he was hitting an impressive .333 with a .470 on-base percentage, making him an attractive choice for the top of the lineup. The 31-year-old Wade Jr. has a history of losing strength in his legs, which often affects his production. However, Melvin reported that Wade Jr. is heading into camp healthy and “in a good place.” “He did a lot of running, a lot of running,” Melvin noted. “He feels really good about his legs right now.”
If Wade Jr. can maintain his health, he could be a significant asset to the Giants’ lineup. Wade Jr. has even expressed his willingness to return to the outfield at times, a move that might become more feasible later in the season. The organization’s top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, primarily plays first base, and when he makes his debut at Oracle Park, the team is likely to need Wade Jr. to multitask and provide additional defensive support.
Lee’s Shoulder Recovery
Jung Ho Lee, a key player for the Giants, suffered a shoulder injury last year when he crashed into the wall at Oracle Park. This was his second significant shoulder surgery, and while the Giants will ask him to be cautious during spring training, they don’t plan to alter his aggressive defensive style once the season starts. “I’m not (scared) about bumping into the fence but of course, I need to be careful being a defensive player out there in the outfield,” Lee said through interpreter Justin Han. “But still, I had a lot of time recovering, so I’m not (afraid) to go out there and play defense.”
Lee emphasized that he had more time to recover from the second shoulder surgery compared to the first, and he credited the Giants’ rehabilitation team for his progress. A healthy Lee, who brings a blend of power and speed to the outfield, could be a crucial element in the Giants’ defensive strategy and overall lineup depth.
Giants Talk Podcast
For more in-depth insights and updates on the Giants, fans can download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast. The podcast provides a closer look at the team’s preparations, player profiles, and strategic decisions, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective that is both informative and engaging. Whether it’s discussions on the catching depth, Wade Jr.’s health, or Lee’s recovery, the Giants Talk Podcast is a valuable resource for anyone following the team’s journey through spring training and into the new season.
