d’Arnaud Makes Top Catchers

We missed this among all of the other prospect lists from the last few days. Former BlueClaws C Travis d’Arnaud was ranked as the 9th best catcher in the minors as per MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo:

9. Travis d’Arnaud, Blue Jays: Catching depth is something every organization strives for, and the Blue Jays have some. Arencibia might be the guy for now, but d’Arnaud could eventually supplant him as the everyday catcher in Toronto. In his first season with the organization after coming over in the Roy Halladay deal, he missed a chunk of time with a back issue, but it’s not expected to be a long-term problem. He’s got a great arm and is very agile behind the plate. While his offensive numbers haven’t consistently stood out to date, he’s got good bat speed and a solid approach that should lead to good results. It might take him a couple of years, but he profiles to be a better all-around backstop than Arencibia in the future.

Note: Derek Norris, who was the All-South Atlantic League catcher last year, beat out d’Arnaud. Though d’Arnaud ranks ahead of him here.

The Yankees have three of the top 10 in Jesus Montero (1), Gary Sanchez (3 – who could be with Charleston this year, in Lakewood April 25-29), and Austin Romine (7).



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