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Baltimore Orioles: Matt Wieters, Caleb Joseph and August Wins

By Nate Wardle

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August 8, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) is out at home against the tag of Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) in the ninth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles have gone 10-8 in the month of August. That record is buoyed by a 5-2 homestand so far in the middle of the month.

But, there is another number that is just shocking. In the 10 wins, Caleb Joseph has caught nine of those wins, with Steve Clevenger catching the other one.

Matt Wieters has caught in seven of the eight losses, the only game that the Orioles lost that Wieters did not catch was the Iwakuma no-hitter.

What does this mean? You tell me.

People, myself included, have felt like the Orioles are a better pitching team with Caleb Joseph behind the plate since he was first called up last year. Obviously, a lot of the time has been with Matt Wieters hurt. And, for whatever reason, the Orioles have a very, very good number when Joseph gets an RBI.

I’m not saying Matt Wieters is a bad player, far from it. But, I think the Orioles are spoiled by the abilities they have at catcher. In 2014, when the Orioles had their best record in years, who caught the majority of the season? Caleb Joseph.

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Matt Wieters is going to be a free agent, and is going to get paid handsomely by a major league team. However, can a player who has suffered several injuries recently be an everyday catcher still? A look at the Orioles’ opponent this weekend may be a glimpse into that.

Wieters was supposed to be ‘Mauer with Power.’ Yet, as Joe Mauer has aged, what power he had has decreased. And, he also can no longer catch, playing either first base or designated hitter.

Matt will turn 30 next year in May. He is probably going to get paid over $10 million for the next four to five years this offseason. For a team in a situation like the Birds are in, it would be wise for them to not offer Wieters a contract.

Caleb Joseph has shown he is more than capable as a hitter and a catcher. This year has revealed that when Caleb has a good amount of rest, like 2 or 3 days a week, he can be a very good catcher.

Steve Clevenger has really worked on his catching as well, and his bat has never been an issue.

Matt Wieters was supposed to be a once-every-decade player. He has been an All-Star, but he hasn’t been a star for the Baltimore Orioles.

It is clear that the Orioles’ staff enjoys pitching to Caleb, as evidenced by the ERAs to each pitcher. Hopefully the Orioles’ front office is aware of these numbers as well.

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