The Twin Cities River Monsters have been on a heck of a run the past seven seasons. But one area where they have yet to find any success is at the catcher position. The position has been a literal hot potato of veteran players the past few seasons. So for 2059, instead of grabbing a player who does a lot of things well, but nothing really well, the team has decided to go for defense at the expense of offense.
The first acquisition is 34 year old John Adams. Adams has one of the best throwing arms in the game. Hmm, Adams, catcher, great throwing arm... that sounds familiar. Oh yes, that's because his father is none other than "The Brooklyn Slager" Sam Adams of 2026 Brooklyn Robin Brewster winning fame. Unlike his father though, the younger Adams doesn't hit piss missile swamp donkeys. But he does have his old man's laser of a throwing arm. Something that Twin Cities has severely lacked the past few season. And it's something they need to combat the Sacramento Mad Popes, a team they always seem to run into during the playoffs.
Adams isn't the only new backstop in town. Twin Cities signed veteran Don Hunt to a one year deal with a pair of team options as a fail safe option in case they didn't land a catcher in this paper thin catcher market. While Hunt doesn't have the arm that Adams does, he is a solid backup who is known for handling a pitching staff. Twin Cities was 6th in the BBA in passed balls as well as being near the top in wild pitches, catchers interference and balks. Don Hunt should be able to help lower those numbers.
Incumbent Marius Urziceanu was thought to be the short side platoon catcher of the future. But his stock fell off as he couldn't hit his way out of a paper bag and runners ran at will on him. He's still young and has options... so he'll get a few more shots in AAA before the team inevitably gives up on him.
Veteran Auno Määttä came up late last season to be the personal catcher of Bernie Stuart. He's a decent glove who can't hit also. He'll be waiting in AAA if all else fails again.
Despite addressing the catchers position, it is still considered an opportunity for improvement. Davenport Hinkle is a name that has been linked to the River Monsters on numerous occasions. While he would no doubt be an upgrade, we play in a salary cap league and Hinkle appears to be way beond the teams reach.
