Sean Murphy In Captain’s Catcher Award Spotlight

The Captain’s Catcher’s Award recognizes the defensive qualities of minor league catchers. Inspired by the catching skills and character of Jason Varitek, this award is only about catching and who plays the position to the fullest. The best catchers are detail oriented and driven to improve their performance behind the plate. Leadership, dedication, the ability to call a game, blocking, receiving, and making plays are the primary qualities sought after—with the ultimate goal of protecting home. The seventh edition of the Captain’s Catcher Award, presented by All-Star, features a number of recent draftees as contenders, headlined by Oakland’s Sean Murphy. The Athletics drafted Murphy in the third round, No. 83 overall, last year out of Wright State. Murphy sets a low target, has a plus, accurate arm, blocks balls well and has excellent agility. His hands work well but he can improve his pitch presentation. He will attempt to do just that as he enters his first full season of professional baseball.

2017 CAPTAIN’S CATCHER WATCH LIST (2016 STATS)
Player	Team	FIELD PCT	G	E	PB	SBA	CS	CS PCT
Aramis Garcia	Giants	1.000	47	0	7	55	21	.381
Joe Hudson	Reds	.995	66	3	12	72	29	.402
Carson Kelly	Cardinals	.996	92	3	6	87	27	.310
Reese McGuire	Blue Jays	.984	86	10	3	96	35	.365
Francisco Mejia	Indians	.988	87	9	6	69	30	.435
Sean Murphy	Athletics	.983	21	3	0	25	11	.440
Tomas Nido	Mets	.987	88	9	9	119	50	.420
Will Smith	Dodgers	.994	39	2	2	60	25	.417
Garrett Stubbs	Astros	.997	67	2	10	53	27	.509
Jose Trevino	Rangers	.998	100	2	8	98	47	.480