DENVER – “Catching is first, hitting is second,” that’s Colorado Rockies catcher Tony Wolters‘ motto. The 24-year-old backup catcher has been a revelation for the Rockies behind the plate, but his strong showing on Saturday could be a sign of development at the dish.
Sure, he came into the game on the interstate, but he finished above the Mendoza Line with a 3-3 performance, including two extra base hits, which was arguably the best offensive game of his young career. His value is obviously on defense but if he improves his bat he could be a viable big leaguer.
“I have been trying to clean up my swing,” Wolters told. “Keep the barrel in the zone longer, when I have contact that’s when I can help out the team a bit – hit and runs, bunting, I need to just put the bat on the ball.”
Wolters did hit one a long way, as Manger Walt Weiss noted but “he had a big day and had a big hit-and-run that led to two runs.” That’s where he can contribute offensively. Not trying to do too much but just barreling up the ball and being okay with bloopers.
“That’s not my game, my game is to get on base,” Wolters said. “Move guys over, control the barrel, that’s my game. There are a lot of guys on this team that hit the ball 500 feet, I’m just glad I could help the team a little bit offensively.”
Hitting for distance is so not Wolters game that he was shocked when hit a ball 420-plus feet against the Diamondbacks.
“I’ve always hit a home run where I’m sprinting and I see it go out halfway to second base,” Wolters recalled. “I’ve never hit the first base coach’s hand while rounding first. It almost pushed me off first when I touched EY’s hand, I didn’t expect it to be so firm.”
The left-handed hitting catcher’s best attribute could be his energy. It’s evident that other players in the clubhouse feel his attitude towards the game and he’s so fun to be around that he adds more as a backup than just his defensive ability. If he is able to consistently hit for an average above the Mendoza Line his defense, versatilely and energy will keep him in the lineup.
