Phillies 2016 Grades: Catchers
By Matt Veasey
CAMERON RUPP
Rupp took over the full-time catching duties with the Phillies this season, becoming the first regular at the position other than Ruiz since Mike Lieberthal‘s final season in 2006.
In 2016, Rupp has hit for a .252/.307/.453 slash line with 16 home runs and 52 RBI over 398 plate appearances in exactly 100 games played through this past weekend.
He has also worked very well with a staff that has seen 27 different pitchers toe the rubber at one point or another, including 10 different starting pitchers, seven of whom received at least 10 starts.
Defensively, Rupp is a tough competitor, as demonstrated by his highlight reel play back in May on a perfect strike from left fielder Tyler Goeddel, a play that still might be the best defensive play by the Phillies this season.
Toughness and leadership aside, however, Rupp grades out as mediocre defensively this season.
He is 11th in all of MLB in Fielding Percentage at the catching position, but has one of the worst stolen-base percentages in the game. His seven passed balls leaves him currently in a six-way tie for 12th in the game.
All in all, Rupp has provided about what the Phillies should have hoped offensively, while handling the everyday catching duties well.
It is also fairly obvious that in turning 28 years old this week, Rupp is fully developed. What you see is what you get.
Frankly, at least for me, he is what he is: a second-division regular, but a backup catcher for a contending team.