Meet the Blue Jays emergency catcher
Photo credit: https://www.sportsnet.ca
Much like the emergency goalie in the NHL, every major league team has an emergency catcher. Unlike hockey however, it is always currently on the roster. While the Jays escaped the situation after Alejandro Kirk left Sunday's game after being hit with a backswing, there questions about who would put on the gear should back up Tyler Heineman also get hurt. So is the Blue Jays emergency catcher?
While Daulton Varsho came up wearing the mask and pads, his days calling balls and strikes are over as he has cemented himself as an elite centre fielder. Rather, the "honour" would be fellow Gold Glove nominee Ernie Clement.
Clement fits the mold of someone who would be considered for the assignment. In years past, the Blue Jays emergency catcher has almost always been an infielder - John McDonald and Darwin Barney are two that come to mind. Manager John Schneider also mentioned Michael Stefanic as an option. Clement is also one of the most athletic players on the roster, so the assignment makes sense.
While he's hoping it's a situation that never comes to pass, Clement is fully informed of his role. Although he has occasionally squatted behind the pitching machine during warmups, he has yet to play catcher in a big league game. Along with centre and right, it's the only position he has never appeared at. So, how does he think he would do?
"I would just put down one finger for fastball every time. If it's going to be a slider, make it a strike. Don't make me go down and block anything."
If Clement has his way, they will never need his services.
"We're not going to get to that point, I promise you. We're going to put it out in the universe that that is not going to happen."
| POLL | ||
MAI 15 | 35 ANSWERS Meet the Blue Jays emergency catcher Will the Blue Jays ever need to use their emergency catcher? | ||
| Let's hope not? | 29 | 82.9 % |
| Let him try once | 6 | 17.1 % |
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