Toops at home behind plate

By Steve Batterson

Wednesday, May 25th, 2005

From his spot behind home plate, Brady Toops enjoys the challenges presented by every pitch.

"It's a position that forces you to learn and develop the ability to think the game through, and you are constantly doing that," Toops said. "You're in the action with every pitch."

Toops makes the most of that as a catcher for the Swing of the Quad-Cities. But his thought process extends beyond his game-management skills and an ability to read hitters to help call games and frustrate Midwest League opponents.

"He's one of the best baserunners we have on our team," Cunningham said. "His reads are outstanding, and they have been since the first day we had him. Some of it, I'm sure, is instinct, but he's obviously picked up some pointers along the way that are helping him. He's a smart, heady player, and he uses that to his advantage."

Toops came to the Cardinals organization last summer after being selected in the 10th round of the free-agent draft.

He signed after helping Arkansas - at which his teammates included 2004 Swing pitcher Jay Sawatski - to its first College World Series berth since 1989.

A native of New London, Minn., Toops batted .291 during his collegiate career with the Razorbacks, and he said his time in the Southeastern Conference helped him develop.

"We spent a lot of time dealing with situations when I was at Arkansas, and I think that has helped me on the bases," Toops said.

"This season, I've been fortunate to be in positions where I've been able to look good on the bases. There is some skill involved, some study, and I do think that carries over a bit from catching. You have to be a student of the game when you work behind the plate, and I try to use that to my advantage."

Both of the catchers on the Swing roster have winning records as starters. Quad-Cities is 12-10 with Brandon Yarbrough working the plate and 14-7 when Toops starts.

Toops' earned-run average - compiled in the same fashion as a pitcher's - is 2.72. He also has thrown out 7 of 16 runners attempting to steal, a 43.8 success rate.

"I've been thoroughly pleased with the job he's done," Cunningham said. "A lot is asked of a catcher, and Toops done a good job with it, and he's maintained a good, steady approach. That's big back there."

Consistency is the elusive objective that Toops continues to chase.

He is hitting .261 for Quad-Cities and has seen his share of highs and lows since joining the Swing one day into the 2005 season after an injury to Brandon Marcelli.

"I started off strong but have tailed off a bit at the plate, and I need to get that back there. That's the thing in this game: You help yourself and move up with consistency," Toops said. "That steady, day-to-day play on offense and defense is what a player needs, and it's what I'm working toward. That's all a part of baseball."

And that all translates to remaining a student of the game.

"When I take the field any day, I still feel like I have to prove I can play at this level. I have to demonstrate my ability to understand the game, work with pitchers and call the right pitches in the right situations," Toops said.

"I hoped to start this season here, but that didn't work out. Now that I am here, I'm doing what I can to make the most of that opportunity."

Page Created: 5-25-05