By Tommy Birch, Des Moines Register
As Iowa Cubs catcher Moises Ballesteros worked his way up through the minor leagues and turned into one of the biggest prospects in the Chicago Cubs organization, there was never a concern that he could hit. Ballesteros, who raked at seemingly every level, proved his bat would be what would get him to the big leagues and keep him there.
The only worry was about his work behind the plate. Ballesteros is still dominating at the plate as one of the best performers in Iowa’s lineup this season. And more importantly, the young backstop is making strides and getting some much-needed experience as he tries to prove he can catch in the big leagues.
“It’s just a matter of getting reps behind the plate,” said Iowa Cubs manager Marty Pevey.
Ballesteros is getting plenty of those during his second season in Triple-A with Iowa. The 21-year-old prized prospect has gotten the bulk of his playing time in Des Moines this summer behind the plate, logging 35 of his first 72 games. Ballesteros also played two games at first and appeared in 16 as the team’s designated hitter.
The time behind the plate has been crucial in Ballesteros’ development. The young backstop has been a dominant hitter throughout his minor league career. This season has been no different with Ballesteros hitting .338/.396/.510 with 13 doubles, seven homers and a .906 OPS in his first 72 games in Iowa.
The success earned Ballesteros his first promotion to the big leagues this season. But the Cubs, who still wanted him to work on his catching, kept him in a DH role during his five-game stint in the majors. The Cubs sent him back to the minors after the time up in hopes that he could improve and get more experience as a backstop.
Pevey said he has made strides since the start of the season with his footwork. Still, there is a ton of work that needs to be done for Ballesteros, who has allowed three passed balls and thrown out just eight of 48 would-be base stealers. Time and experience will help with that.
“It was just a concentration level that he needs to continue to focus on,” Pevey said. “His blocking is better. His game calling is a work in progress — being able to follow a pitching plan and remembering situations like, what was the third pitch of the second hitter in the third inning. That type of thing. Being able to remember sequences, which he is doing a great job with and just overall running the game behind the plate and taking charge.”
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