Alfaro and Cervelli could be Marlins’ Best Catching Combo in Years

Pudge Rodriguez and Mike Redmond

During the Marlins’ World Series 2003, the team featured veteran All-Star Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez behind the plate for 144 games. He was supplemented that year by arguably the best backup catcher in franchise history, Mike Redmond. In his lone year with the club, Rodriguez slashed .297/.369/.474 with 16 homers and 85 RBI. Redmond chipped in with 11 RBI that year, and slashed .240/.302/.312.

Rodriguez helped legitimize the 2003 lineup with his veteran presence and production. Both Rodriguez and Redmond were stalwart defenders and excellent at handling the pitching staff. Rodriguez’s leadership and Redmond’s reliable play makes the 2003 catching combo the best in franchise history.

Prior to the World Series season, the Marlins catching combos over 2002 and 2001 also provided offensive production and solid defensive play.

Charles Johnson was in his second run with the franchise and returned to his All-Star form in 2001. Over 128 games that year, he slashed .259/.321/.450 with 18 homers and 75 RBI. His backup was Redmond, who hit over .300 that year with four home runs and 14 RBI.

In 2002, Johnson’s season was cut short and Redmond played the most games behind the plate. Ramon Castro also played catcher that year. Redmond slashed .305/.372/.387 and knocked in 28 runs that year. Castro connected on six homers.