Early reports coming out of Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater were that prospect Andrew Knapp was the odds-on favorite to win the major league backup catcher job. A lack of offensive production in 11 games has left Knapp on the outside looking in, and a non-roster invitee claiming potentially the job.
Ryan Hanigan has been one of the biggest surprises for the Phillies this year, and has a batting average nearly .400 points higher than Knapp.
Knapp’s two hits all spring and the fluctuation of positions proves he belongs in Lehigh Valley next season. Where he plays with Rhys Hoskins and Jorge Alfaro expected to graduate to Triple-A presents an unusual predicament in a Phillies organization recently grasping for talent.