One of the most important players on a 25-man roster is the backup catcher. With the signing of Henry Blanco on Thursday, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be set at the position in 2012, as well as potentially in 2013.
The D-backs announced the official agreement:
(PHOENIX) - The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with catcher Henry Blanco on a one-year contract with a mutual option, according to D-backs' Executive Vice President and General Manager Kevin Towers.
Blanco, 40, hit .250 (25-for-100) with 3 doubles, a triple, 8 home runs and 12 RBI in 37 games along with a .330 on-base percentage and .540 slugging percentage. Defensively, he appeared in 37 games (31 starts) at catcher, posted a .995 fielding percentage, committing 1 error in 192 total chances, and threw out 38.1 percent of attempted basestealers (8-for-21).
Blanco is as good as they come in terms of backup catchers. A true veteran and teacher of the game, he does a phenomenal job handling the pitching staff and can still handle his own at the plate. This is a solid move by Arizona and gets their offseason underway.
For more on the D-backs, check out AZ Snake Pit.