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Miguel Olivo swings into Colorado
January 5, 2010
By: Fred Zinkie
The Rockies have given themselves quality catching depth for 2010 with the signing of Miguel Olivo. Let’s take a look at Olivo’s value and the fellow of Colorado’s other catcher, Chris Iannetta after this signing.
Miguel Olivo – He has averaged close to 400 at-bats over the past four years and has also average 17 home runs per season over that time. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he also has hit around .250 in the past four years and draws walks as rarely as just about anyone in baseball. A little more plate discipline would do wonders for Olivo but at age 31 we might just need to accept him for what he is. It is surprising that he couldn’t find a clearer path to playing time on the free agent market. As it stands, the Rockies have said that he will have the opportunity to battle Iannetta for playing time in spring training. Expect Olivo to take a real shot at the starting job and he could win it. For now, you will need to project him under 300 at-bats but he has some upside. Coors Field could be a friendly home for this fly ball hitter.
Chris Iannetta – The Olivo signing is bad news for Iannetta’s fantasy value. Fantasy owners would prefer to see the Rockies sign a backup catcher without the skills to challenge for a starting job but that isn’t the case. Iannetta looked like he was on the verge of a breakout after the 2008 season but he regressed in 2009. He is only 26 years old and could definitely bounce back. His ability to hit for power and draw walks makes him a better all-around hitter than Olivo. Since he just signed a three-year deal, there will be incentive for Colorado to give him the playing time he needs to develop. He and Olivo both bat right-handed so a lefty-righty platoon can’t happen here. Iannetta is the better bet to end the season with 350+ at-bats but that is far from guaranteed.
Overall, this is a good signing for the Rockies and a good signing for NL-Only owners since it gives them two decent catching options on one team. But, it’s not a good signing for mixed league owners who will be gambling no matter which Colorado catcher they choose.