Texas Rangers Spring Training Preview – Who’s catching

Jorge Alfaro

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jorge Alfaro against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Another option for the Texas Rangers is one of the top prospects who made the top 100 list at number 88.  Alfaro, like Brett Nicholas also played in the Arizona Fall League.  He finished second in batting average with .386/.438/.500/.938.  Alfaro played in 19 games, had 70 at-bats, 33 hits, 6 doubles, a triple, 5 home runs and 20 RBIs.  His 5 home runs was second in the Arizona Fall league, 6 was the most.

Overall in the minors, he has a batting line of .262/.328/.428/.755 with a total of 59 doubles, 30 home runs and 141 RBI.  In the past, Alfaro wasn’t very disciplined at the plate, but manage to increase his contact on the ball and reduce his number of strikeouts.

He’s best known for his catching skills.  Some have said he looks like a young Ivan Rodriguez.

Behind the backstop, Alfaro is very athletic and moves very well for his size and age.  He’s been improving on his game calling and his footwork to make him a better catcher.  Also, one of his greatest assets is his arm.  MLB.com ranked him as having the best arm over all in their top 100 prospects list.  He is also considered third best catching prospect in the system.

With his potential at the plate and behind the plate, it is easy to see how he is the top catching prospect for the Texas Rangers.  Alfaro is still young and it is probably unlikely that he’ll make it up this year.  Ron Washington wants Alfaro to continue his development in the minor league system.  Once he’s ready to move up, the Rangers will give him a chance with the organization.