Backstops

The Giants signed a veteran free-agent catcher to a two-year deal with an option for a third. His name is Tom Murphy and he has just over a thousand plate appearances in the bigs (eight seasons) and over two thousand innings (261 games) behind the plate. Most recently he slashed .290/.335/.538 in 47 games (159 PA) with the Seattle Mariners. He’s got some pop and is clearly going to back up youngster Patrick Bailey, the putative starter.

Blake Sabol, after surviving his rookie season and Rule 5 status, seems like the obvious backup to that tandem. Where does that leave Joey Bart? He can’t stay in AAA forever. He has no options remaining either, while Sabol’s three are still intact.

There’s a rumor that the Giants are willing to deal some of their young arms. Will they include Joey Bart in such a deal? I’d rather they sign Shoto Imanaga or Yoshinobu Yamamoto but if they can pull off a trade for someone like Framber Valdez I won’t complain. There’s also talk of a reunion with Sean Manaea.

Regardless, the catcher position seems to be in good shape. The Giants have a trio of young players and added a seasoned, part-time slugger to the mix. We all know FZ likes to make lots of moves around the margins that aren’t exciting but are necessary. They also added a minor-league righty named Devin Sweet to the 40-man roster.

–M.C.