The Mariners signed catcher Andrew Knapp to a minor league deal yesterday, Tacoma Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto reports (Twitter link). Knapp made his debut with the Triple-A Rainiers today, hitting a home run.
After spending his first nine pro seasons in the Phillies organization, Knapp is now on his third new team since December. Knapp signed a minors deal with the Reds in the offseason but was released at the end of Spring Training, and the veteran backstop then caught on with the Pirates. This resulted in 11 games for Pittsburgh before the Bucs designated Knapp for assignment last week, which led Knapp to opt for free agency rather than an outright assignment to the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate.
Tom Murphy recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a separated shoulder, so with Murphy’s timeline unclear, it isn’t surprising that the Mariners have now added another catcher. Cal Raleigh and Luis Torrens are the two catchers on the big league roster, and Knapp will provide some veteran depth at Triple-A should another injury arise.
Knapp has hit only .210/.310/.315 over 862 MLB plate appearances, spending much of his career in a part-time or backup capacity with the Phillies. With Raleigh and Torrens both struggling badly at the plate, it probably isn’t likely that Knapp will be seen as a replacement unless the Mariners decide that Raleigh needs more time in the minors. (Torrens is out of minor league options.)
He will be up soon neither can hit and Cal is a bit better behind the plate but still not MLB level. They need to sign a C this off season and it should be the best one available. I will say one positive about Lorenz he has improved with balls going under his glove and between his legs. Last year that was usually a 2 x or more event. Still not an MLB catcher.
Mariners main problem is relief pitchers. They suck!
The M’s have had more than one problem since their 7-2 home-stand. There’s more to that BP problem- key pieces to that BP are injured. Inc two RPers who wouldve shared closing duties- Sadler and K Giles. Eric Swanson (who was nails before his injury.) Sewald was even out for a stretch. Yes, two of their ‘best’ RPers have blown 2 saves each but that BP is using inexperienced arms.
A bigger problem has been the SP we’ve faced on a marathon 29 game stretch w two E Coast trips w just one day off. In the last 26 games we’ve played 19 on the road. In the last 26 games they’ve faced some of THE best SPers in MLB: Scherzer, Alcantara, McLanahan (x2) Verlander, Bassitt, Carrasco, E Hernandez, Luzardo, Rasmussen, Berrios and even Kikuchi had his best stuff against us- 97 mph FB, + his split and cutter were nasty.
No team flies more miles- not even close!! Ever flown cross country? It’s brutal. The M’s have done that then played the 3rd most difficult strength of schedule in May. All w/o their cleanup hitter Haniger (39HR 101RBI last yr) and ALROY Kyle Lewis. That lineup is SO much better w those 2 hitters.
@compassrose Cal Raleigh slashed 324 377 608 over 176 at bats in Tacoma last year but along with Knapp “neither can hit”. Jarred Kelenic slashed 320 392 624 over 125 at bats on the same Tacoma team with Raleigh. (Fraley, Long and Marmolejos also put up strong slashes on that team)…….so, if Cal Raleigh is not a good hitter, then Kelenic or any other player should be way above Raleigh’s numbers at the same level….if they are MLB ready hitters.
That is the problem they hit at AAA then don’t hit at the major league level. You made my argument for me.
Mariner offense is taking a Knapp.
Manny…> top marks on that one. Sadly I’m a Mariner fan. Re: that M’s offense, I think of what my auld Granny in Scotland would say whenever we faced adversity in life- “if ye wouldnae laugh ye’d cry son!” Haha
The contract signing caught Andrew right in the middle of a KNAPP !!
Trade for Wilson Contreras!
Cal Raleigh has 6 hits this season, 4 of them are Home Runs. Looks like the Mariners may have developed another Mike Zunino
Zunino has alternated between really awesome and super horrible at the plate (depending on how many Ks he racks up from year-to-year), which averages out to a decentish slugger overall. I like his defense and pitchers who’ve worked with him give rave reviews on his game calling. On both sides of the ball, he makes pitchers look much better.
At least Knapp can draw a walk. He definitely won’t make much of an impact but depth is depth and the Mariners need depth just as much as they need impact players.
Can’t hit his weight but if you can catch, you have a job!