Baltimore Orioles: 2014 Season Grades – Catchers

May 22, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher

(45) prepares to throw down to first base in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Indians defeated the Orioles 8-7 in thirteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

A local fellow from Mount St. Joseph’s known as “The Pride of Pigtown,” he looked to be the best backup catching option coming out of spring training, where he hit the ball hard.

Clevenger ended up appearing in 35 games for the Orioles, although 11 of them were as a pinch hitter. His average was .225 while going 20-for-89 with eight doubles and a triple.

The former seventh-round selection of the Chicago Cubs is the quintessential player on the bubble of the majors/minors. He has a career batting average over nine years in the minor leagues of .311 and hit .305 for the Norfolk Tides this year.

But we all know that Buck Showalter won’t tolerate anything less than pretty much above average fielding capabilities in those who stay with the team.

His grade for the season … an average “C.”