San Francisco Giants Mailbag: Belt, Backup Catcher, Non-Roster Invitees

Sep 17, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Andrew Susac against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Giants defeated the Diamondbacks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In one of the most interesting position battles during the Giants’ Spring Training, Andrew Susac and Hector Sanchez are set to go head-to-head to win the backup catcher role. Both players are worthy of this role, so Bruce Bochy will certainly have a tough decision on his hands.

According to Alex Pavlovic of Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area, Giants general manager Brian Sabean recently spoke about this position battle, and he suggested that two key aspects when looking at which catcher would be better to have on the roster were defense and the ability to handle a staff, which is interesting given the fact that both Susac and Sanchez are more known for their offensive potential than their defense.

Offensively, Sanchez boasts the ability to switch hit, an interesting asset for a catcher, but Susac boasts more power and better offensive production last season.

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Although Susac holds the edge offensively, this battle is a little closer in the defensive department. Sanchez has been criticized for his defense and his ability to hold runners on. In 2014, Sanchez threw out 31 percent of baserunners, but Susac, in half the number of opportunities, threw out 32 percent of baserunners.

Sanchez has more experience with the pitching staff though, which doesn’t suggest that Susac has a poor relationship with the pitching staff, but his relationships with the pitchers are still developing. In addition, Sanchez reported to Spring Training in incredible shape, which impressed Bochy and the rest of the coaching staff.

With that being said, I believe that the Giants should select Susac to be the backup catcher. His potential is bigger than Sanchez’s overall potential, and his upside, defensively, is also greater. Sanchez’s switch hitting would be valuable as a pinch hitter, but Susac’s power is perhaps more valuable and certainly more intriguing for a backup catcher and a pinch hitter.

Susac’s a highly intelligent catcher, and he’s only starting out. His ceiling is and will be higher than Sanchez’s is. Even though Sanchez still has tremendous potential, this is Susac’s time to shine. The Giants must be glad to have another solid option at backup catcher with Sanchez though, because he could certainly be needed later in the season as an injury replacement.

Next: Which Non-Roster Invitees Could Make the Final Roster?