Farmer intends to be behind the plate more
Kyle Farmer moved from shortstop once he left college for reason — to catch.
He intends to do that, but Los Angeles has been hesitant to use the 27-year-old behind the plate in 50 career big league games.
He’s played third base 19 times and even first base once. But he’s played just four times behind the plate, catching seven innings.
“Me personally, I want to be a catcher,” Farmer said. “I love catching, I love the game inside the game, the pitch calling and leading your team and the pitching staff. I really want to get more involved in that.”
Farmer was recently optioned to Oklahoma City after opening the season in the big leagues for the first time in his career. The plan is for him to spend more time behind the plate, working on continuing his improvements that began with Pilates and yoga in the offseason.
Nobody in the organization specifically said he needs to improve his receiving, but the message was sent in his playing time. So, he’ll get more of a chance in OKC.
In 13 games since he rejoined OKC, Farmer has caught seven times and played third base just three times. He’s likely to catch three times a week, splitting time with Rocky Gale.
“His flexibility has gotten better day and night,” said OKC manager Bill Haselman, a former MLB catcher. “His receiving is 1,000 times better than last year. He’s not as stiff because of his stretching. I really have a lot of faith in him back there.”
Farmer and Haselman are a perfect managerplayer match.
Haselman appeared in 524 major league games as a catcher. He’s worked with Farmer and Gale on their receiving throughout the season.
“And he’s really fun to play for,” Farmer said, noting that being back in OKC with Haselman is a huge positive.
Farmer spent the offseason doing yoga and Pilates to gain more flexibility behind the plate. He also dropped 20 pounds entering spring training.
And it’s made a huge difference. He’s added quickness along with his strong throwing arm. He’s a better receiver, too.
He just wants more of a chance to show off his improvements.
“There comes a point in time you want to hone in on one position and get better at that,” Farmer said. “If you’re not playing that position it’s hard to get better at it.
“I worked really hard in the offseason. That’s why I want to catch more. It hasn’t really shown yet, but I’m getting more comfortable. From where I started to where I am now, it’s gone pretty well.”