Impact Analysis: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

January 26, 2009 @ 01:00:01

By Gregory Sadikoff
Edited by Tim Heaney

For phenom Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters, the only thing larger then his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame is the colossal amount of hype surrounding him. His monstrous 2008 season in Double-A Bowie, in which he batted .365 with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs in 208 at-bats, earned him Baseball America's 2008 Minor League Player of the Year honors. Combine these statistics with his ability as a switch-hitter and it is no wonder many baseball pundits have labeled Wieters as not only the top prospect at the catcher position, but as the top overall prospect for 2009.

Despite the excitement in the Orioles organization surrounding Wieters, he will most likely begin the 2009 season playing for Triple-A Norfolk; however, it will not be surprising to see him brought up to the majors sometime during 2009. In the meantime, the O's have signed veteran catcher Gregg Zaun to fill the starting role vacated by the departure of catcher Ramon Hernandez (Cincinnati Reds).

Inside the numbers

An overview of Wieters' 2008 statistics in Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie highlight his immense power and ability:

Table 1: Matt Wieters' minor league statistics, 2008

	AB	R	HR	RBI	K	BB	AVG	OBP	SLG
High Single-A Frederick	229	48	15	40	47	44	.345	.448	.576
Double-A Bowie	208	41	12	51	29	38	.365	.460	.625

The 22-year-old's penchant for power and average, as well as his excellent plate discipline, is uncanny for a fledgling professional player.

Apart from his obvious power (27 home runs and 91 RBIs in 2008), Wieters has exuded a great sense of plate discipline. He drew 82 walks compared to only 76 strikeouts, meaning he wasn't closing his eyes and swinging for the fences during at-bats. He was staying away from garbage and being selective with his pitches, a sign of maturity for a hitter.

Also impressive was Wieters' performance after being promoted to Double-A Bowie. While many players have difficulty in the beginning adjusting to the improved level of competition they face at a higher level, Wieters' performance actually improved. His batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage all increased. Also, his walk-to-strikeout ratio increased from 0.94 to 1.31.

Among Wieters' superb abilities, his greatest asset may be his switch-hitting skills. He is incredibly successful from both sides of the plate. From his left side, which is considered his more fluid side, Wieters hit .340 with a .454 on-base percentage and a .542 slugging percentage in 2008. From the right side, his power side, he hit .392 with a .454 on-base percentage and a .744 slugging percentage.

His running speed is nothing to be impressed by as he stole only two bases in all of 2008.

Although he has played magnificently in his first minor league season, Wieters has struggled in the past with being to jumpy at the plate and getting out too quickly. Also, his arms constantly move when awaiting the pitch, which as his bat speed fades could cause him to lose leverage and power. It might be a hindrance as he learns to time major league pitching.

The waiting game

While it is possible that Wieters will be handling full-time catcher duties for Baltimore by the end of 2009, the Orioles will probably give him some more minor league at-bats before being called up. How many depends upon Wieters' performance for Triple-A Norfolk as well as Zaun's performance for Baltimore.

Wieters' impressive track record thus far means he could be called up sooner rather then later, but even then, it is most likely that he will not immediately assume full-time work. Rather, Baltimore Orioles manager Dave Trembley would like Wieters to study under Zaun, a proven if not sensational player.

Fantasy baseball outlook

Frequently compared to New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, Wieters has the potential to be a big-time fantasy producer. He's a switch-hitter with a great eye at the plate and the potential to drive the ball anywhere on the field. The fact that he has these skills as a catcher truly makes him a fantasy commodity.

Despite the frenzy of accolades from Wieters' critics, his fantasy expectations should be tempered. It is unknown when he will get called up to Baltimore or, once called up, how much time he and Zaun will share behind the plate. Also, as this would be his first year in the majors, he will be facing much tougher competition, so there may be periods of prolonged slumps while he makes the appropriate adjustments. These variables make Wieters too risky to draft as your No. 1 catcher.

Fantasy managers should be sure not to pass up an established, more reliable player as your top catching option. Wieters is an ideal late-round second option in deep mixed leagues with two starting catcher spots. Also, in single-catcher, deep mixed leagues with ample bench spots, he may be worth drafting as a No. 2 backstop; however, his hype won't allow you to be so patient on draft day.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Gregory Sadikoff
Gregory Sadikoff is a KFFL contributor who has been involved in fantasy sports, mainly football and baseball, since 2004. In addition to being a die-hard Colts fan, Gregory enjoys analyzing the statistics behind his favorite players and teams.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

One Day FREE Fantasy Contest - $350 in cash prizes (05/25)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: John Danks placed on DL (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: The substandard Roy Halladay (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Danny Hultzen, Roger Kieschnick, more (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Austin Jackson headed to DL (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat: Addison Reed, J.J. Putz, Ernesto Frieri, more (05/24)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Brian Roberts seeing the light at the end of the rehab tunnel (05/24)
I am not afraid of Hakeem Nicks' foot injury (05/24)
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts - AL (05/24)
Fantasy baseball closer depth charts - NL (05/24)