J.P. Arencibia Catches on with Orioles

I (only half-heartedly) apologize for the pun.

The Orioles have agreed to terms with J.P. Arencibia, terms that would bring the veteran catcher into the organization on a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training.

No, really. I couldn’t make that up if I tried.

Source: #Orioles finalizing a minor league deal with C/1B/DH J.P. Arencibia, 29. Former #BlueJays #Rangers hitter will get a ST invite

— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) January 8, 2015

Duquette is serious about stacking up catchers, with the uncertainty surrounding Matt Wieters as we and countless others have written. Arencibia was one of the better options out there, once Nick Hundley signed for more money than the Orioles were willing to spend on a backup.

And that’s what J.P. Arencibia represents. At this time, he’s a backup catcher who has a chance to stick in the organization in case Wieters breaks down or is dealt.

Soak it up, Birdland, this is as “good” as it gets, when it comes to offseason news. Outside the possible Colby Rasmus signing (assuming his It’s Just Lunch date with manager Buck Showalter went well), this is going to be the kind of signing we get approaching Spring Training. Minor league deals, fringe 40-man players.

Depth and insurance.

Zach Wilt of BSR pointed out to me, when I whined about it, that all the other teams that are getting brighter and shinier toys than me need them more. He reminded me that the depth and insurance is really all this team needs to continue to compete in 2015.

And he’s right. I should listen to him, and other cooler heads.

Still, it’s difficult to sit and wait during a slow offseason. I would be more comfortable with inactivity if our starting third baseman, a bona fide phenom wasn’t coming off his second major knee surgery in as many years. I wouldn’t be so impatient if our starting catcher weren’t such a big question mark, coming off Tommy John surgery. And I certainly wouldn’t be so unsure of this team that won the AL East by 16 games if slugger Chris Davis hadn’t hit like my dead grandma in 2014.

I should hold none of this against J.P. Arencibia. The guy is no great shakes defensively, and has declined offensively over the past three seasons, but it’s possible that he can help the ball club. Arencibia has power (hitting 21 HRs in 138 games in 2013), despite his career slash line of .207/.255/.403/.658. Much like chicks, Orioles evaluators seem to dig the long ball.

Maybe he can help. I’m still hoping he won’t have to. And also, I’m hoping that something more exciting comes along.