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Best Backup Backstops in Miami Marlins History

By Kevin Kraczkowski

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 11: Bryan Holaday #28 of the Miami Marlins hits a walk-off single in the eleventh inning to defeat the New York Mets 4-3 at Marlins Park on August 11, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 11: Bryan Holaday #28 of the Miami Marlins hits a walk-off single in the eleventh inning to defeat the New York Mets 4-3 at Marlins Park on August 11, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Florida Marlins
4 Mar 1999: Catcher Jorge Fabregas #14 of the Florida Marlins gestures during a Spring Training game against the University of Miami at the Mark Light Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida. The Marlins defeated the U of Miami 12-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport /

6. Jorge Fabregas

Jorge Fabregas was a first-rounder for the California Angels back in 1991. After working his way up through their system, he made his debut in Anaheim in 1994, then played there until 1997. After a few personnel moves that saw him spend time with the Chicago White Sox, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the New York Mets, he made his way to the Marlins via trade for Oscar Henriquez after the 1998 season.

Fabregas played in 82 games for the Marlins, and in all honesty was likely considered the top catcher on the depth chart during his time with the team. He caught in 78 of those games, earning a .989 fielding percentage and throwing out a staggering 45 percent of runners trying to steal, or 30-of-67. At the plate, Fabregas hit three home runs and collected 21 RBI, with a .206/.289/.309 slashline.

On August 26th, 1999, the Florida Marlins released Fabregas, where he was immediately picked up by the Atlanta Braves. He later appeared in the majors with the Kansas City Royals, the Angels, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Florida Marlins
17 Apr 2000: Paul Bako #4 of the Florida Marlins starts to run with the bat during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Marlins defeated the Cubs 6-5. /

5. Paul Bako

Paul Bako was drafted in the fourth round by the Reds in 1993, and worked his way up to the majors by 1995 with the Detroit Tigers.

A true journeyman in the literal sense of the word, Bako also played major league ball with the Houston Astros, the Atlanta Braves, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Kansas City Royals, the Baltimore Orioles, the Reds, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Florida Marlins purchased Bako’s contract from the Astros on April 11th, 2000. He went on to appear at catcher for the Marlins in 56 contests, with a halfway decent (for a backup catcher) slashline of .242/.335/.292. Defensively, Bako earned a .991 fielding percentage and threw out 35 percent of basestealers, three percent above the National League average. On June 12th, Bako drew a walk, hit a two-RBI-triple, and doubled to right field in a 5-2 win against the Phillies. On July 21st the Marlins placed Bako on waivers. So in Bako’s only season with Florida, he neither began nor ended the year with the Marlins.

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