Minnesota Sports Forum

Does anyone know about this AA catcher in our system. I've never heard of him, but he's putting up nice numbers at New Britain this year. Hitting .309 with 13 HRs...good on-base average of .414. I never hear any discussion about Mauer's successor, so I wonder if this guy has potential.

Funny you mention that-was about to make a similar thread. Don't know anything about him other than tracking his stats. A very good sign though at AA to have almost as many walks as Ks and decent power. Have no idea how he is defensively and would love any input as well.

Pinto has a really good bat. The guy's been successful hitting pretty much everywhere he's been. Good eye at the plate, good discipline, decent power. He's not really a catcher though. He's a DH that can play catcher if you know what I mean. He's relatively short so a move to third base or the outfield is likely in his future. He's something to keep an eye on though that's for sure. Just another prospect in our system that looks good.

**Pinto is 24. Getting old-ish for a AA prospect.

Pinto is a nice prospect, he's kind of a Doumit 2.0 but I'm pretty sure he's a switch hitter too.

Thx for the replies, guys. It was a new name for me, so I needed a little input. From cam and jester's comments, I gather that he is not considered much of a defensive catcher.

2-4 with a double tonight.

FYI, Pinto was just promoted to take Butera's spot at Rochester. Still hitting well so I like this move.

I hope Pinto keeps the hitting up. Wouldn't that be something to see him destroy AAA pitching too?

Pinto hasn't missed a beat since his promotion...still hitting. I just read an article about him that was very complimentary about his hitting at every level, but said his defense was a work in progress. It went on to cite his 33% success rate at throwing out runners, and his 13 passed balls in his last 165 games. To put those numbers in perspective, 33% is the same as Mauer's lifetime rate, and the passed ball rate is better than Butera's. They say he still needs work on calling a game, but that doesn't bother me. That's one area of the game the manager can help with until he trusts you.

Looks like this 24-year-old could be the real deal.

7 hits in his first 10 at bats in the bigs!!!!

I told you he had a really good bat...