Dodgers Spring Training: Steve Yeager Praises Yasmani Grandal

With a new front office regime in place, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ roster underwent sweeping changes over the course of the offseason. Generally viewed as their biggest move, the Dodgers packaged a resurgent and fan-favorite Matt Kemp with Tim Federowicz to the San Diego Padres for Yasmani Grandal and two pitching prospects.

At 26 years old, Grandal not only represents a younger option at catcher than A.J. Ellis, but he’s also superior in pitch framing and as a switch-hitter, offers additional versatility. However, where Grandal trails Ellis is in familiarity with the pitching staff and organization as a whole.

However, it may not be long before Grandal grows comfortable with the pitchers as his work ethic was among the traits Steve Yeager praised, via Lyle Spencer of MLB.com:

I like what I see and what I hear from him,” Yeager said. “It takes time to gain the respect of the pitching staff and teammates whenever a catcher comes from somewhere else, but some of them already know him. In the old Dodger tradition, we’ve welcomed him with open arms. He has come in with a good attitude; you don’t have to go looking for him. He’s right there, ready to go to work.”

Including a live bullpen session on Saturday, Grandal’s caught Clayton Kershaw on multiple occasions, among other pitchers. Grandal believes he’s already learned from those he’s catching and will continue to do so:

In a short time,” Grandal said, “I’ve already learned a lot. Getting to know the guys, catching bullpens, I’m getting a feel for how they throw. Everything comes with time. Once the games start [on Wednesday], it’ll definitely come a little faster.

While manager Don Mattingly has yet to decide on the details, Ellis and Grandal will form a platoon behind the plate. The general consensus predicts Ellis will handle Kershaw’s starts, which Mattingly denied but was a notion Grandal supported. No matter how the situation ultimately shakes out, the Dodgers figure to have their most formidable catching option(s) since the Russell Martin era.

Yasmani Grandal Discusses Trade To Dodgers, Health Of His Knee