Dodgers 2013 End-Of-Season Player Evaluations: Tim Federowicz

Catcher Tim Federowicz came to the Dodgers in 2011 from the Boston Red Sox organization via a three-team trade. He was a September call-up in 2011 and 2012 while accumulating 16 major league at-bats. Coming into the 2013 season, Federowicz, or FedEx as he’s known, made the Opening Day roster as the backup to starter A.J. Ellis.

Regular Season Grade: C+

Federowicz began the season as the Dodgers backup catcher, but was quickly sent down after the Dodgers acquired catcher Ramon Hernandez from the Colorado Rockies for Aaron Harang. The 26-year-old was optioned and recalled three times during the season, finally sticking with the team after being recalled in May after Ellis went on the disabled list.

The catcher became the primary catcher while Ellis was injured and remained on the roster when Ellis returned, while Hernandez was released. On the season, Federowicz finished with a .231 with four home runs and 16 RBI. His highlight of the season came on June 11 after the Dodgers had a brawl with the Arizona Diamondbacks following Zack Greinke being hit with a pitch. After the brawl, the Dodgers trailed 3-2 but Federowicz would come up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth and deliveedr a bases-clearing double to give the Dodgers a 5-3 lead.

Federowicz provided solid backup to Ellis and did well enough with the bat to warrant a few starts.

Postseason Grade: Incomplete

Although Federowicz was on the postseason roster, he didn’t see any playing time in the Dodgers two series. Normally backup catchers don’t see much action in the playoffs, unless the starting catcher is injured in the game.

The Dodgers couldn’t use FedEx in a pinch-hitting situation because if Ellis was to get hurt later in the game, the team would be left without a capable catcher.

Overall Grade: C+

Federowicz seems to have stabilized his spot as the Dodgers backup catcher after almost a full season at the position. He provided some pop with his eight doubles and four home runs in 160 at-bats and was a capable glove behind the plate.

Look for FedEx to come into spring training as the backup again and maybe provide a few more starts next season to give Ellis more rest.

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In case you missed it, here’s the Dodgers pool celebration, PLUS Yasiel Puig’s celebration dance off!

http://youtu.be/LknQOqL7uME