Clevenger playing well for the Orioles
Finding a good backup catcher is difficult, the Baltimore Orioles have had a lot of trouble with backup catchers the past few seasons. Enter Steve Clevenger who has brought stability to the Orioles backup catcher position. The Orioles acquired Clevenger last season in the Scott Feldman trade with the Chicago Cubs.
For most of 2012 Clevenger was with the Norfolk Tides but in spring training the Orioles gave him a shot to win the backup catcher job. Clevenger played great in spring training and it has continued into the regular season.
Clevenger is hitting .262 with five RBI’s in 13 games. Keep in mind that most backup catchers struggle to hit above .200. Clevenger has also played well defensively and become a fan favorite because he is from Baltimore.
Now that Matt Wieters is on the disabled list, Clevenger and Caleb Joseph will be the Orioles catchers. The Orioles should still be in pretty good shape behind the plate. Sure Clevenger and Joseph may not have the arm that Wieters has but they can both play well.
Hopefully the Orioles are not missing Wieters for long but in the meantime the Orioles are in good hands with Clevenger. At the end of the season it could be helpful to Wieters having rest now and be able to hold up better later on.
