Jason Hagerty wins friendly catchers competition

PEORIA, Ariz. -- In an effort to break up the monotony of early camp drills -- and as a way to get in a little extra work -- the seven catchers in Padres camp took to a back field Friday morning.

The catchers participated in a competition to see who rated best in four categories -- blocking balls in the dirt, throwing to the bases, catching popups and then, as a finale, sprints with their full equipment on.

Catching instructor Brad Ausmus calls it the "Catching Olympics."

The winner was Jason Hagerty, who "nipped [Nick] Hundley," manager Bud Black said. John Baker was third in what was deemed a fun competition by Hagerty.

"We had a good time," Hagerty said. "It was a little competitive, but it was fun to be around the group. It was a fun thing to do."

Hagerty, who was the Padres' fifth-round selection in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Miami, hit .284 with nine home runs and 65 RBIs in 104 games between Class A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio last season.


(mlb.com)