It’s not easy to judge how prospects will produce when they get brought up to the majors, and this week a pair of top prospects will make their debuts. While Fernando Martinez is highly touted in the Mets organization, the big news of the week is the call up of Matt Wieters.

 

The two are coming up for entirely different reasons, specifically because only one is permanent. Wieters was thought to have a chance to make the team out of spring. Reasons for his starting in the minors range, but the common thought comes down to saving a few dollars in arbitration in a few years. Regardless, come Friday, the fantasy world will find out what the hype is all about.

 

There are plenty of questions as far as production levels that need to be answered. Catching is the most demanding two-way position. Not only will Wieters need to adjust to major league pitchers at the plate, but also behind it. His time as far as learning scouting reports and pitching patterns will need to be balanced with the type of pitcher he will be facing that day in a manner that he’s never had to experience.

 

Still, Tristan Cockcroft of ESPN.com feels that Wieters is a top-five catcher from Friday moving forward. Given how he has done nothing but hit his way through the minors, there is outside justification for that. He’s batting .285 with five home runs and 26 RBI this season in AAA. His time in single-A and double-A was marked with huge success at the plate.

 

The Orioles wouldn’t have called him up if they didn’t plan to start him and play him. It’s not likely, even at full time, that he starts every game. That’s not how the position works. Four out of five is the highest we are likely to see.

 

Come Friday, the Orioles will have 114 games remaining. In that time, Wieters has the opportunity to make a significant contribution offensively. It all comes down to who you currently are starting and what expectations you have for the rookie.

 

The continued decline at the position overall makes this move more noteworthy. Ryan Doumit’s injury and Geovany Soto’s struggles have opened the door. Jorge Posada has been in a state of decline, and various platoons have owners guessing at starts on a seemingly daily basis.

 

If you look at the position, Joe Mauer will be the class the rest of the season. Victor Martinez, Brian McCann, and Russell Martin are still likely to round out the top-five. While Geovany Soto has struggled, his BABIP is too far off the league average and his career stats to keep him at his current levels the rest of the season.

 

Once you get past this point, though, Wieters can find a home. Owners currently holding on to Brandon Inge should look to make the upgrade. Inge is solid in spurts, but he is what he is. Wieters has much more upside this season.

 

Especially owners in deeper leagues that are holding catchers like John Baker, Jorge Posada, and even Chris Iannetta can get a bigger boost from Wieters than they currently have in their existing lineup.

 

The prediction: .275 AVG., 14 home runs, 60 RBI

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Tags: Matt Wieters  Chris Ianetta  Jorge Posada  Victor Martinez  Brian McCann  Joe Mauer  Geovany Soto  Ryan Doumit  Brandon Inge