Barajas adjusting to life as a Phillie

Rod Barajas is one of many new Phillies that Pat Gillick added this off-season. However, Barajas who is in competition to be the starting catcher has the most difficult job of any of the new additions. Not only does he need to work on his hitting and fielding this off-season, Rod will have to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the Phillies pitchers.

Each Phillies pitcher is a different story. The battle-tested veteran Jamie Moyer chooses what pitches he throws. Barajas is already familiar with Adam Eaton because they were teammates while playing with the Texas Rangers. Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, and Freddy Garcia like to work more with their catchers so Barajas will have to study the skills and habits of these pitchers.

Barajas takes a sensible approach to the pitcher catcher relationship. "These guys are different pitchers," Barajas said. "I'm definitely going to have to learn each guy's strengths and weaknesses. What might work for Cole might not work for Jamie. It's a learning process, and that's where I'm going to rely on my teammates and coaches and try to speed up that process. It's about building relationships." Barajas a veteran catcher has made the transition before when switching teams and is looking forward to opening day.

Sources:
Barajas getting crash course
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Picture of Rod Barajas from Phillies.com