I wanted to update this post with something ESPN’s Mark Simon pointed out about Mets backup catcher Anthony Recker.
Mets pitchers continue to put up great numbers with Recker catching. Their ERA is 2.78 and opponents’ batting average is .204 when he is behind the dish.
Additionally, the Mets are a perfect 5-0 when Recker is the starting catchier.
When Recker made the Opening Day roster in 2013, I thought to myself: “Who on earth is this guy?” The now 30 year old backstop for the Mets is making a case for staying in Flushing for the near future.
Anthony Recker had played in only 27 games in his major league career, in stints with the Cubs and the Athletics, before signing with the Mets before the 2013 season.
Early on in 2013, he served as the backup to veteran catcher John Buck, but didn’t see much playing time because John Buck was red hot to start the season. He would later spend some time in Las Vegas before being called back up when Buck was traded in August. This time, he was called upon to backup highly touted catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud.
Recker’s final line in 2013 doesn’t do him much justice. He finished the season playing in 50 games, getting up to the plate 135 times and only batting .215 with a .680 OPS. However, Recker always seemed to come through when we really needed it, including a 13th inning home run on the Fourth of July against Heath Bell and the Padres to give the Mets a lead, numerous caught stealings behind the plate, and even a relief appearance against the Washington Nationals.
He again made the Opening Day roster in 2014, serving as the primary backup to Travis d’Arnaud, and thus far, has proven he deserves to stay. From throwing out Billy Hamilton, to another 13th inning home run against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, to his raw power, and even more throw-outs, Anthony Recker has dazzled behind the dish and is making a case to being one of the better backup catcher’s in baseball.
Recker has a knack for big home runs and of his eight longballs as a Met, seven of them have either tied the game or put the Mets in front.
After Recker homered and doubled in the Mets’ 5-2 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks last Wednesday, Terry Collins said he likely would begin giving him more playing time.
A year ago, I didn’t know who Anthony Recker was, and today I’m thankful that he is on the Amazin’s and is providing us with some depth behind the dish and us as fans can be confident when he steps up on d’Arnaud’s off days.
