Monday Newsletter time: Jonah Heim was creating a stir behind the plate before his weekend walk-off heroics for Texas Rangers.
The catcher became the first rookie in MLB history to end consecutive games with home runs.
Goodness gracious, Jonah Heim.
The rookie catcher collected walk-off home runs in back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday as the Texas Rangers pulled off a series win over the Seattle Mariners.
Heim swatted two homers Saturday, one from each side of the plate. The second was a two-run shot in the 10th inning to win the game 5-4.
He hit only one measly homer Sunday, again finding the Rangers’ bullpen, to end it 4-3 in the ninth.
“If I can keep doing this, it’ll be a great year,” said Heim, who became the first rookie in MLB history with walk-off homers in consecutive games and the first player to do it in Rangers history.
His recent performance, which goes beyond the weekend and is the result of improved timing and a shorter stride, might have started a catching controversy.
Heim is going to get the bulk of the playing time over Jose Trevino in the immediate future, a reward for his good play while Trevino was dealing with a freakish forearm bruise caused by a slip in a San Francisco hotel.
“I’ve seen a ton of progress,” manager Chris Woodward said. “You see what he’s doing with the bat right now, and that’s something we knew was in there. We weren’t quite sure on the power, if that was going to come out.
“Just the adjustments he’s made. You look at the freedom that he plays the game with, the fearlessness. He’s really calm. He’s composed out there. He takes that behind the plate as well.”
There’s also some uncertainty with the catching situation down the road.
One of the Rangers’ top prospects is Sam Huff, who likely won’t be catching this season because of a spring knee injury that required a cleanup. Neither Heim nor Trevino can match Huff’s power, and Huff’s defense behind the plate is considered solid despite his massive frame (6-foot-4, 240 pounds).
Heim and Huff have the offensive advantage over Trevino, who has the edge in experience. Trevino won consecutive minor-league Gold Gloves a few seasons back.
There are a lot of ways the Rangers could go about their catching glut. They could carry three in 2022, but that’s always difficult to do even if one of the can play elsewhere.
Huff is playing a lot of first base in the minors as he returns from the April surgery.
Catching depth is a luxury. No team is immune from the injury risk that comes with being a catcher.
If anything, Heim’s surge from a slow start to the season and the Rangers’ belief in Trevino in his ability to juggle a pitching staff could buy the Rangers time with Huff. He will likely need to start 2022 in the minors after not catching yet this season to make up for time lost in managing pitchers and working on his receiving skills.
Newsletter hitting milestones
The Texas Rangers Newsletter turned one month old at some point last week amid the madness leading up to the trade deadline, and we’ve hit some pretty good milestones along the way.
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ICYMI …
Did anything happen the past four days with the Rangers? Maybe not on the field. In case you missed it … .
Spencer Howard not upset Phillies traded him.
Rangers at the deadline. Joey Gallo. Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, Hans Crouse.
Jon Daniels talks Gallo trade, rebuilding.
Doggy video!
This one is courtesy of Chuck Greenberg, a big-time dog guy. Enjoy. See you Tuesday.
Nice Job, Jeff. I've been really pleased with Heim; he's been one of the few bright spots--and there have been a few--this year. I like his catching, particularly, but his bat is getting pretty interesting.
We enjoy reading your news letter. The in depth look into the Rangers is unparalleled. And, the Dog Videos are heart warming. Keep up the writing and we'll keep up the subscribing.