Leones del Esgido Bolster Roster with Defensive Star Matt Whatley
Santo Domingo – The Leones del Esgido have made a important addition to their roster, signing American catcher Matt Whatley. The 28-year-old backstop arrived in the Dominican Republic and is ready to contribute to the team starting this Friday.
Whatley, a product of the Texas Rangers organization, boasts a strong defensive reputation honed through years of experience in the Minor Leagues. He has excelled at all levels, showcasing exceptional skills behind the plate.
his prowess as a defensive catcher is evident in his recent performance with the Round Rock Express, the Rangers’ AAA affiliate. Over the past two seasons, Whatley has thrown out an impressive 34.6% of attempted base stealers, considerably surpassing the Pacific Coast League average of 22.5% between 2023 and 2024.
Whatley’s defensive mastery has earned him accolades. Baseball America,a respected baseball publication,named him the Rangers’ top defensive catcher before the start of the 2024 season. Furthermore, the Texas Rangers recognized his exceptional defensive abilities by awarding him the Defensive Player of the Year for their Minor league system in 2019.
while primarily known for his defensive skills,Whatley has also demonstrated offensive capabilities during his seven-year professional career. He has compiled a .221 batting average, a .643 OPS, 32 home runs, 161 RBIs, and 210 runs scored in 469 games.
The Leones del Esgido are set to kick off their 2024-25 Round Robin campaign on Thursday with a matchup against the Estrellas Orientales at 7:30 p.m. at the Tetelo Vargas stadium.
Catching Fire: An Interview with Baseball Analyst Steve Lovell
Joining us today is Steve Lovell, a renowned baseball analyst with decades of experience analyzing players and predicting trends. Welcome too teh show,steve!
steve: Thanks for having me! Always happy to talk baseball.
Today we’re going to be dissecting the Leones del Esgido’s recent acquisition: defensive standout Matt whatley. This 28-year-old catcher is making the leap from the Texas Rangers system to the Dominican league.What are your initial thoughts on this move, Steve?
Steve: Well, on paper, it looks like a shrewd move by the leones. Whatley’s defensive pedigree is undeniable. That 34.6% caught stealing rate with Round Rock is eye-popping, especially considering the PCL average hovers around 22.5%. that kind of shutdown ability behind the plate can be a game-changer, especially in a league known for its aggressive baserunning.
Host: Absolutely. And his accolades speak for themselves.
Baseball America labeling him the Rangers’ top defensive catcher before the 2024 season,and that Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 – notable stuff. But, Steve, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: his offensive performance. A .221 batting average isn’t exactly setting the world on fire.
Steve: It’s fair to say Whatley’s bat hasn’t been as consistent as his glove. But let’s not forget, he’s a catcher. Their primary responsibility is defense, and he excels in that area. Plus, he’s shown flashes of power, with 32 home runs over his career. In a league like the Dominican, where offense frequently enough reigns supreme, it wouldn’t surprise me to see whatley improve his numbers a bit.
Host: Interesting. So, you think the Leones are banking on his defense solidifying the team while potentially seeing some offensive upside?
Steve: Precisely.They’re betting on his ability to control the running game, manage the pitching staff, and potentially contribute some timely hits. It’s a calculated gamble, but one that could pay off handsomely.
Host: A gamble with potentially massive rewards, especially considering the Leones’ upcoming Round Robin campaign. What do you think fans can expect from Whatley in his first season with the team?
Steve: Expect a lot of hustle, solid defense, and a player who’s hungry to prove himself. Whatley’s journey through the minors has taught him a lot, and I suspect
he’ll embrace the challenge of the Dominican league with tenacity. This could be a breakout year for him, and if he can find even a little more pop at the plate, the Leones will have a weapon on their hands.
Host: Great insights, Steve! And now, we want to hear from our readers. What do you think about the Leones’ signing of Matt Whatley?
Will he be a defensive stalwart,or will his offensive struggles hold him back? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below!
Let’s keep the baseball conversation going!
