Brian McCann’s contribution to MLB’s top pitching staff
The Philadelphia Phillies drew unprecedented attention over the offseason with the acquisition of Cliff Lee to an already formidable staff. Now, having committed more than $62 million to their starting rotation alone*, the unrelenting pressure is on as they try to live up to the hype.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the NL East, the Atlanta Braves have assembled a rotation of their own; one, when combined with an impressive relief staff, has the franchise knocking on the playoff door over two months into the season.
A major reason why the Braves have pushed the Phillies so late in the season is the man behind the plate calling all the shots.
For the past few years, Brian McCann has been on the receiving end of a Braves rotation that features exciting youngsters Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens – and a bullpen that boasts standouts Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters.
In 2011, their continued development has been especially obvious. The results so far, however, have been even more impressive than the roster alone. The Braves’ pitching staff as a whole currently leads all of baseball in ERA (3.02), batting average against (.228), OPS (.627), and WHIP (1.16). They’re the kind of numbers that McCann cherishes.
“As a catcher you always take pride in your pitchers, and your team ERA,” McCann said. “You’re kind of like the 13th or 14th pitcher out there, so I take a lot of pride in that.”
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It doesn’t hurt to outdo the division-rival Phillies in a variety of pitching categories, either, and the Braves’ strong pitching from both the rotation and bullpen is a major reason why.
As of June, despite a myriad of injuries already, the Braves sit within striking distance of Philadelphia in the standings, three games back and second in the NL East.
“It’s about showing up and competing,” said McCann. “Both rotations are very deep; you’re not going to know whose is better until the end of the season. I know [our] five guys take pride in not getting lost in the shuffle of the Phillies’ rotation.”
Despite his role in an extremely demanding position, both physically and mentally, McCann is always looking at ways to improve his game, especially behind the plate.
In addition to balancing extremely close relationship with a minimum of 12 hurlers – not to mention pitchers who might get called up to the Majors during the season from the minor leagues – catchers are involved in every pitch of the game; calling them, putting their body in front of them, framing them, the list goes on.
For McCann, it’s about embracing all of the tasks that come along with being a Major League catcher. Most of all, he says, it’s about an unquenchable desire to improve.
“I’m always trying to get better at throwing out runners, trying to get better at blocking, just all around game. Every year is different, every year you’re going to feel better than other years, and you’ve just got to make the adjustment to show up every day and put forth your best effort, and that’s all you can do.”
One part of McCann’s game that doesn’t need much work, though, is when he steps into the batter’s box himself. The Georgia native has been a threat at the plate ever since he broke into the Majors at the tender age of 21.
McCann’s ability to consistently produce at the plate warrants recognition, and not only because he plays a position typically lacking offensively.
In addition to hitting at least 25 doubles, 20 home runs, and an .828 OPS in each of the last three seasons, McCann has won four Silver Slugger awards and been nominated to the All-Star game in every full season he’s played in the Majors so far.
While he certainly won’t complain about the awards he’s received for his individual achievements, they’re not going to affect the way he prepares for the game.
“I show up and play as hard as I can, wherever that may lie, it’s not something on my mind. I don’t think about all that stuff right now,” he said.
After all, winning individual awards pales in comparison to one goal in particular.
“I think about getting [team] wins, getting our team back in the postseason, and seeing what can happen.”
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