Padres' Mike Shildt defends catchers amid terrible offensive season

While the San Diego Padres have a hole in left field, the issue behind the plate cannot be ignored. Elias Diaz and Martin Maladonado have struggled offensively and defensively this season. Meanwhile, Luis Campusano hasn't even been a factor this season.

All in all, the Padres should look to add a catcher at the trade deadline. But, even with such a clear need, Padres manager Mike Shildt wasn't afraid to defend his catchers for their help in making the bullpen as good as it is.

Tom Krasovic of The San Diego Union-Tribune shared Shildt's comments and praise of Maldanado and Diaz as the team heads into the All-Star break.

"I can confidently tell you that Maldy and Diaz have done a really good job," Shildt said. "It's a hard job also."

A huge part of the praise for Maldonado and Diaz stems from how they've helped the pitching staff be one of the best in the game. Their leadership with young pitchers has helped the Padres get to where they are in the season, and was acknowledged by Shildt.

"There are nuances to it," Shildt said. "The preparation to it, the strategy going into a game, the awareness to make adjustments during the game, the ability to give guys confidence, the ability to make a trip and say the right things. They're a big reason why we sit there and have one of the best staffs with a lot of new guys that have made their debuts this year or are young to this league."

Krasovic pointed out three pitchers that the comments from Shildt refer to: Randy Vasquez, Ryan Bergert, and Stephen Kolek. Vazquez has 19 starts this season, which is his third in the big leagues. His 3.80 ERA isn't amazing, but it's a solid number for a fifth starter.

Bergert, the rookie, has an impressive 2.84 ERA in 10 appearances this season. While he's back in the minors after a 4.2 inning outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he allowed two earned runs, he's been a nice piece of the Padres' roster this season. 

Kolek is another starter the Padres have used this season with a decent, but not great, year. In 12 starts, he has a 4.24 ERA, and even had a remarkable complete game shutout against the Colorado Rockies in a 21-0 blowout.

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The performances of these young pitchers and the dominance of the bullpen, which has the second-lowest ERA in the league, are, in Shildt's mind, thanks in large part to Diaz and Maldonado behind the plate.

Maldonado (.516 OPS) and Diaz (.555 OPS) have been bad offensively this season. Defensively, Maldonado (-7 Fielding Run Value) and Diaz (-2 Fielding Run Value) haven't been great either.

But, despite their struggles, Shildt views both positively thanks to their efforts in making the team's bullpen and starting rotation as good as it's been this season. Even with the Padres continuing to look for a new catcher, Shildt still views the contributions from both Diaz and Maldonado as positive. 

A.J. Preller and the front office will still try to add a new catcher at the trade deadline. But, for now, Shildt is fine with their current catcher room. He believes in Diaz and Maldonado, even despite their poor offense and defense this season.

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