Three catchers?

[HitnRun]

We could have used another optional pitcher Monday night. No?
Are we carrying three because of the bat?

[SamtheBravesFan]

We could have used another optional pitcher Monday night. No?
Are we carrying three because of the bat?

I guess. I don't think it really would have made a difference if the Braves had an extra pitcher or not.

[Wade8813]

I don't think it matters to have an extra pitcher so soon in the season. But as the season goes on, and some games go into extra innings, and they get tired... then an extra pitcher is really handy.

[SamtheBravesFan]

The Braves are carrying three catchers because McCann is the starter, Miller is the back-up/fill-in and Pena is the pinch-hitter.

[adamsowell]

The reason they are carring 3 catchers is because corky miller won the back up catcher job and penya is out of options.

[Imgran]

The reason they are carring 3 catchers is because corky miller won the back up catcher job and penya is out of options.

Yeah, that makes sense, because a career minor leaguer should even be in competition for a backup job when you already have a fairly decent catcher sans options that you have to put on the roster anyways. Especially when the minor league veteran didn't outhit the young catching prospect by all that much and can't hit in the regular season to save his life. And having a fantastic franchise catcher on hand that doesn't need too many days off? Cherry on top, gentlemen. Cherry on top.

[jwkfs]

I agree, it's a little weird.

I recall reading that Pena is also serviceable at the corner infield spots and outfield spots in a pinch. Maybe that plays into it in some way.

[Imgran]

That does help, yes.

[NY16CATCHER]

I agree, it's a little weird.

I recall reading that Pena is also serviceable at the corner infield spots and outfield spots in a pinch. Maybe that plays into it in some way.

If Pena can play 3rd base at the MLB level, I'll eat my hat. His lack of foot speed and first step would probably get him killed.

[jwkfs]

If Pena can play 3rd base at the MLB level, I'll eat my hat. His lack of foot speed and first step would probably get him killed.

I had to check and make sure I wasn't making this up -- MLB.com's Player page says "Played five positions at Richmond (1B, LF, RF, 3B and C)"
I don't imagine he's a defensive superstar, but he has some experience.

[chip&smoltz95]

I had to check and make sure I wasn't making this up -- MLB.com's Player page says "Played five positions at Richmond (1B, LF, RF, 3B and C)"
I don't imagine he's a defensive superstar, but he has some experience.

His primary position is catcher, obivously. He was the backup first baseman in richmond. Outfielder only when coming in as a PH and he stayed in the game, and I NEVER recall him playing any 3B. I agree don't think he would be quick enough.

[Chipper]

We wouldn't be carrying three if it weren't for Brayan Pena. The Braves are waiting for his value to increase so they can get more for his price. They can't send him down, because he's out of options, and he stinks at catching, so you might as well have someone else as the backup. If it were me:

1) Release Corky Miller.

2) Trade Pena for what you can get.

3) Call up Clint Sammons (He'll never be anything more than a backup anyway) and I guess call up Jo Jo Reyes as well.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

We wouldn't be carrying three if it weren't for Brayan Pena. The Braves are waiting for his value to increase so they can get more for his price. They can't send him down, because he's out of options, and he stinks at catching, so you might as well have someone else as the backup. If it were me:

1) Release Corky Miller.

2) Trade Pena for what you can get.

3) Call up Clint Sammons (He'll never be anything more than a backup anyway) and I guess call up Jo Jo Reyes as well.

1) I really like Corky Miller, he's a solid defensive catcher, and he was clutch in the few games he played last year.

2) I really do think Pena will be traded sometime this season, hopefully we can get another minor league pitcher.

3) Sammons will probably be on the big club next year.