Juan Centeno

[crapforks]

SSS alert: Centeno is having a nice spring. Boredom led me to scrounging for articles on him because I'm pretty much completely unfamiliar. http://www.amazinavenue.com/2013/10/3/4781182/new-york-mets-position-prospects-juan-centeno-scouting-report I came across this (from October 2013) and it got me wanting more info about him. Anybody have any current reports on the guy? Clearly there wasn't a whole lot expected of him, but he's left-handed and at least one author impressed with his defensive ability. If he is gifted defensively and hits at all, it could be a nice minor league signing.

 

 

Juan Centeno, C

5'10", 190

Bats/Throws: L/R

Age: (as of Opening Day 2014) 24.4

Acquired: 32nd round, 2007

2013: 261 PA, .301/.339/.373, 24 K, 12 BB between Binghamton (AA) and Las Vegas (AAA)

Date(s) seen: 4/11/13 and 4/12/13 vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR)

The short of it: Welcome to the Fraternal Order of Backup Catchers (FOBC), Mr. Centeno.

The long of it: Well you probably know about the arm by now. I pulled 1.83 on the throw, Ben Lindbergh has 1.78. Either way, that's about as good as it gets. Centeno's throwing is the best in the system, despitenot having what you would call 'elite' arm strength. I generally had him at 1.9-2.0 on his throws (which is still quite good), but he makes up time with a quick transfer and good footwork. His throws are also very accurate. He's well-rounded behind the plate as well. He's a strong receiver and frames well (though not as well as d'Arnaud). He does have issues with balls in the dirt, as he's not great at moving laterally. Overall though, the defensive profile is plus; which is good, because he isn't going to hit a ton. Centeno often gets comp'd to Josh Thole as a left-handed, contact-oriented hitter, but he may actually have less power than Thole and displays a much more aggressive approach. He's going to need to hit for a decent average to stick on a major league diamond, because it's likely to be a pretty empty one. Still, I've seen a lot of Centeno over the last two years, and I think he will stick around the majors for a good long while.

The projection: Defense-first backup catcher

Risk Factor: Low. Centeno is major-league-ready, and the defensive tools should ensure a career at the highest level.

What’s next: If the Mets elect not to go with a veteran backup for Travis d'Arnaud, Centeno is an ideal backup catcher for the 2014 Mets, given his handedness and plus defensive profile.

What I'll be looking for in 2014: Can he hit .240-.250 against major league pitching?

[crapforks]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/evaluating-the-prospects-milwaukee-brewers/ This is from Fangraphs last year at this time.

 

 

C Juan Centeno (he was claimed from the Mets this off-season and is likely no more than a backup long-term, but he’s a plus defender with a plus arm and a quick release, evident by throwing out Billy Hamilton last year).

 

[darin617]

OK? So could we please have some more current information besides he is having a good spring.

[crapforks]

Sorry if this is over-posting. I'm quite bored. 

 

April 2015 https://millerparkprospects.wordpress.com/2015/04/20/going-to-the-show-juan-centeno/

 

Strengths: Centeno is a defense-first catcher who’s arm is strong and extremely accurate. He’s solid fundamentally and has a quick release helping to keep runners at bay. He has thrown out opposing base stealers at a 40% clip throughout his minor league career with his best season coming in 2013 when he gunned down a whopping 56% of base runners (34 of 61). He receives well behind the plate and shows good leadership qualities, working well with his pitchers. Offensively, Centeno has hit for a solid average through much of his career, especially for a catcher, posting a .276 average through nine minor league seasons.

Weaknesses: Despite hitting for a good average, Centeno has very little power, posting a slugging percentage just several points higher than his on base percentage. He’s managed just three career home runs in nearly 1300 at bats and doesn’t draw many walks either. While his defense is well above average he does struggle at times with pitches in the dirt, an area he’ll need to shore up to land a permanent role in the big leagues.

Future: Centeno will take over as the Brewers backup catcher for the next month or so while Lucroy heals and Martin Maldonado takes on the role of everyday catcher. With big league experience, solid defense and a left-handed bat, Centeno should be a good bench option for the Brewers until Lucroy returns. His big league future likely lies as a backup catcher and this will be a good audition for him. Despite being in his ninth professional season, Centeno won’t turn 26 until November and could be in line to inherit the backup job full-time if Maldonado departs when his contract is up following the 2016 season.

 

[TNTwinsFan]

Looks like a terrific minor league signing! He won't hit more than probably .250, but looks like an ideal back up next year after Kurt rolls out. Likely will be supplanted by Garver/Stewart by 2018.

[goulik]

SSS no kidding... 9 AB, 5 hits including 2 2B and a HR leading to 5 RBI AND 2 runs. It's a nice start but nine AB is what, two games? Kids had two great games!

Still, nice pickup for a position I considered a weakness to shore up last October.

[Rosterman]

More depth. It's nice to have a couple of choices, because someone at Rochester can get hurt!