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Toronto Blue Jays to target catching this offseason

By Jake Misener

September 18, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; MLB umpire Jerry Meals (41, left) warns both benches after a hit-by-pitch as Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta (17, right) looks on during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; MLB umpire Jerry Meals (41, left) warns both benches after a hit-by-pitch as Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta (17, right) looks on during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 18, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; MLB umpire Jerry Meals (41, left) warns both benches after a hit-by-pitch as Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta (17, right) looks on during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; MLB umpire Jerry Meals (41, left) warns both benches after a hit-by-pitch as Los Angeles Angels catcher Chris Iannetta (17, right) looks on during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

While most baseball fans realize that the Toronto Blue Jays need starting rotation help as the offseason approaches, Bob Elliot of the Toronto Sun is reporting that the organization is targeting a pair of catchers – both of whom currently play for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The team is looking to acquire either Chris Iannetta or Hank Conger, according to sources familiar with the team’s plans.

Catching has emerged as a weak spot for the Jays, with former number one pick J.C. Arencibia failing to put together consistent at-bats, hitting just .194 with 21 home runs and 55 RBIs in 138 games.

He also threw out 25 percent of would-be base stealers, but was charged with 11 errors and 13 passed balls.

Ianetta started the bulk of the Angels games behind the plate this season, but also will not be any type of offensive catcher in Toronto. He hit just .225 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs this year for Los Angeles, but is known around the league as a reliable backstop.

Conger, the younger of the two Angels’ catchers, hit .249 with seven homers and 21 RBIs. He also threw out 24 percent of base runners with just one passed ball in 60 starts last season.

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