Usually, the backup catcher position gets scant attention. They get in the lineup maybe twice a week, giving the primary option behind the plate a needed day off from the wear and tear of the position. However, for the Oakland A’s this season, the backup catcher may well be an important position.
Barring injury, the A’s are set to open the season with prospect Sean Murphy behind the plate as the primary catcher. While Murphy performed well in his 60 September plate appearances last season, he still needs to show that he is ready to handle a full time workload at the major league level.