Orioles Acquire C Nick Hundley

The Orioles sent Troy Patton to San Diego for catcher Nick Hundley (and cash considerations). Rumors had been swirling for a couple weeks that the Orioles were looking to acquire a backup catcher, and were dangling Patton in return.

Patton is a pretty effective left-handed option out of the bullpen (his last two appearances notwithstanding). However, he was left expendable with the rise of former cavalry members Brian Matusz and Zach Britton in the Orioles bullpen. Lefty TJ Macfarland, who has solidified himself as the “first guy on the bus,” is another effective lefty who put Patton’s roster spot at jeopardy.

The real reason Patton was dealt is that Matt Wieters` proved not to be indestructible.

While Wieters remains on the DL, it’s unclear whether he will be able to return this season, and what his workload might be if he does. In his absence, backup Steve Clevenger an backup-backup Caleb Joseph have been holding down the fort. Clevenger has proven himself to be a capable backup. He’s an effective fastball hitter, but extended playing time has allowed opposing pitching to take advantage of his weakness for the breaking ball. in 69 ABs, Clevenger’s line is .246/.307/.391/.698.

Joseph has been another story. In just 20 ABs, he’s gotten one hit. That’s right – one more than you and me. Caleb Joseph may have great stats in AA Bowie, but there’s no guarantee that will translate to the majors. And a team that wants to compete for the playoffs can’t afford to wait and see.

Enter Nick Hundley. This guy isn’t an All-Star, but he’s serviceable. He has a career .238 average, and throws out 28% of potential base stealers. At the least, he will split the time with Clevenger, but he may also take over as the starter. Duquette (predictably) described Hundley as “a proven veteran catcher who handles pitchers well and has power,” We’ll see how that translates to the Orange and Black.

The Orioles may have eliminated one of their weakest links on the team by making arrangements to send Joseph back to the minors, but Hundley will not fill Matt Wieters’ shoes.

As a side note, Troy Patton was the last piece remaining in the organization from the 2007 trade that sent Miguel Tejada to Houston in exchange for five players.