If you ever get a chance to watch catcher’s practice, especially the drills on receiving the pitch and framing it you can’t help but see how specific the instructions are. It’s not just about bringing the glove from the ground to the receiving point but also about glove angles, how to move the arm in an easy unforced motion and the presentation of the delivery. Like everything else in the great game of baseball it’s about training the mind and body with repetitive drills so that game action becomes a platform for what’s taught and learned.
The catching position in today’s game requires more athleticism, coordination and movement as compared to the stationary approach of prior years. Each day in spring practice Joe Mangiameli (Defensive Coordinator - Catching) along with skilled catching instructors such as Ray Ricker (Assistant Complex Coordinator), Chris Adamson (Lehigh Valley Bench Coach), Karl Ellison (Reading Position Coach), Greg Brodzinski (Jersey Shore Manager) and Nerluis Martinez (Clearwater Position Coach) put the catchers in camp thru multiple receiving, throwing, blocking and set-up drills to strengthen the players understanding of the position.
While there are multiple talented catchers in the system, in this article I am focusing on four young men who have stood out to me in various aspects of their game. Namely Eduardo Tait (18 years old), Alirio Ferrebus (19 years old), Guillermo Rosario (19 years old) and Angel Mata (20 years old).
Eduardo Tait signed as an international free agent on 1/15/23 from Panama City, Panama. Since the national “prospect rating” folks have noted him in their lists he has come into prominence. Thing is that those who’ve had the privilege of seeing him play knew that he was a genuine talent well before those lists included his name. As a hitter he’s shown that he’s outstanding - big power, quick hands, eye hand coordination, bat to ball skills, plate discipline - it’s all there. But it’s the receiving side where I’m disappointed in the national “evaluations” as some express doubt about his ability. As coaches have told me Eduardo is a sponge for knowledge on how to improve and learns quickly, comparisons to Logan O’Hoppe in that regard. He has a very strong and accurate throwing arm and is dedicated to mastering all of the other aspects of the catching position. I have no doubt he can advance to the highest level as a catcher - all you have to do is actually watch him day to day to see that he has a real chance of becoming a special player, all around. Just sayin.
Alirio Ferrebus signed as an international free agent on 1/15/23 from Maracaibo, Venezuela. He was promoted stateside on 6/25/24 after opening the year in the Dominican Summer League and posting gaudy numbers in 14 games (51 plate appearances) hitting .375/.471/.725 with a 1.196 OPS. With the FCL Phillies the offensive success continued as he hit .324/.366/.378 in 41 plate appearances before an ankle injury ended his season. He’s back to good health now, each day in camp he’s shown the ability to hit the baseball with authority, his BP sessions are truly fun to watch - there’s power, discipline, bat to ball and consistency of hard contact. Alirio has good size (6’2”) and solid defensive skills - he’s a hard worker who also has great fun. It’s not unusual to see him singing and even occasionally dancing during the day. He’s a very popular young man with teammates and staff yet at the same time is dedicated to his craft as he told me this winter “I try to have a strong mentality and focus on my goals and objectives each day.” Alirio has the overall skills to advance up the ladder both offensively and as a catcher, he’s one that the “listers” may be advocating in their mid summer rankings.
Guillermo Rosario signed as an international free agent on 7/25/22 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He played the full 2024 season of the FCL, was then promoted to Clearwater and played in 12 games with the Threshers. Guillermo is a very solid defender behind the dish. With Tait getting the majority of catching reps Guillermo also saw action as a first baseman. He’s got a big frame (6’2”), plays hard and shows great joy in playing - he told me this winter that he “loves to compete, enjoy, share and work with each of the boys and with the staff.” Guillermo has shown flashes of what he might accomplish offensively, in live BP and games I’ve watched him behind the dish he takes charge, shows athleticism and interacts well with his pitchers. He’s also a very pleasant kid who has fun at everything that he does - another very popular young man.
Angel Mata signed as an international free agent on 4/14/22 from Cumana, Venezuela. He played his first two seasons in the Dominican Summer League and had a .364 OBP in 254 plate appearances. Angel was brought stateside 4/23/24 and was part of the catching corps in extended spring training before suffering a season ending knee injury which required surgery. He’s technically still working with the rehab team but has been catching live BP’s and takes BP with the mini campers. I’ve only seen him play sparingly due to the injury but note that in what I’ve seen that he’s a solid defender and a plus thrower. Angel swings the bat with authority as well, drives it to pull side and to gaps. I haven’t seen enough of him in game action yet to project but my observations of his interactions with teammates and coaches along with skills I’ve seen in practices indicate there’s a skillset that can advance. An under the radar fella at present.
Four catchers that are framing upwards just like the daily drills they endeavor in bringing the glove from ground to receiving point. They are a group that I’ve often seen together both on the field and as they enter and exit the complex, a catcher’s brotherhood of sorts. All very young and in the early stages of their careers - talented individuals on the rise that collectively give the organization depth in an essential position - good stuff!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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