How David Bell drew catcher Aramis Garcia to the Cincinnati Reds
Bobby NightengaleGOODYEAR, Ariz. – There aren’t many hitters having a better spring than Cincinnati Reds catcher Aramis Garcia, a non-roster invitee to camp, but that’s no surprise to several members of the coaching staff.
Garcia was ranked among the San Francisco Giants’ top prospects for several years, including when David Bell was the organization’s farm director in 2018 and Alan Zinter was the assistant director of offensive player development in 2018-19.
“This has been something that I’ve wanted for a while,” said Garcia after his second two-homer game of the spring Friday. “A lot of the staff (Bell) has here, they were in the minor leagues when I was in San Francisco. With the opportunity to potentially play for them again, I didn’t pass it up. As soon as the offer came in, I was ready to sign.”
Garcia, competing with Andrew Knapp for the backup catcher job behind Tyler Stephenson, leads the Cactus League with five homers this spring in just 16 at-bats. Defensively, he’s allowed one passed ball and thrown out one of the three baserunners against him.
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When Garcia signed a minor-league contract with the Reds in November, his No. 1 focus was just making sure he was as prepared as possible for camp. He played in just 62 games last season between the Oakland A’s and their Triple-A affiliate, so he played winter ball in the Dominican Republic. He was glad he could participate in the Reds’ mini camp for catchers led by catching coach J.R. House, catching coordinator Corky Miller and minor-league coach Nate Irving.
“I signed here because I loved the staff, but I truly believed they could help me become a better baseball player,” Garcia said. “I’m just very thankful to be a Red.”
Garcia’s scouting report with the Giants always began with his power bat and strong arm. The questions were whether he had the plate discipline to survive at the big-league level and he was blocked from a starting job by seven-time All-Star Buster Posey.
“I think any player that is in an environment they’re comfortable in, but also can be pushed in, is always good for players,” Bell said. “He’s looking for an opportunity, really, to play in the Major Leagues and get an extended look. When that happens, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he really produces at that position.”
With a decision looming on the backup catcher battle, Garcia says he’s at peace with whatever decision the Reds choose. He’s just glad he’s been able to perform throughout camp and work with some coaches he wanted to be around.
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“I played a lot against J.R. and the teams he managed in the minor leagues and I’ve heard nothing but good things,” Garcia said. “Even just playing against the teams he was managing, I could tell his players just loved him, they played hard for him. When I had an opportunity to come play for the Reds, it was a no-brainer for me.”
MIKE BELL CONNECTION: When Brandon Drury signed with the Reds in March, after the start of camp, one of his first conversations with his new manager Bell was about his late brother, Mike.
Drury was drafted by Atlanta in 2010, but he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013. Mike Bell was the D-Backs’ farm director and helped Drury develop into a big-league player in 2015.
“Mike is one of the most important people, besides my dad, getting to the big leagues with Arizona,” Drury said. “We really had a pretty special bond. He gave me every opportunity to move up the ranks and get to the big leagues.”
CLOSER CANDIDATES: Bell didn’t name a closer throughout the 2021 season, using various relievers in committee roles, and he’s unlikely to name a closer again this year.
The Reds, however, don’t have many relievers with closing experience. Lucas Sims had seven saves last season, but he will begin the year on the 10-day Injured List. The top candidates, Bell said Saturday, are probably right-hander Hunter Strickland (14 saves in 2018, 21 career), righty Luis Cessa (four career saves) and multi-inning righty Tony Santillan. Lefty Justin Wilson (13 saves in 2017, 18 career) could see opportunities based on certain matchups and right-hander Art Warren is another option.
“All of those guys based on how they threw at the end of last season, what we've seen in spring training,” Bell said, “I wouldn't have any hesitation.”
