Paul Brands

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

2015
DSL:  143/400/143, 7 AB, 3 BB, 3 K
R:  222/352/289, 45 AB, 1 2B, 1 3B, 6 BB, 19 K

The start of Brands’ season was delayed by visa issues.  He eventually made a brief appearance in the DSL, then made it to the GCL in early July.  He got only limited playing time, catching just six games as Garrett Russini got the bulk of the starts when Yoel Gonzalez wasn’t catching.  Brands drew some walks but otherwise struggled at the plate, striking out in over 40% of his at-bats.  Opposing runners stole 12 bases in 13 tries.

2016
R:  252/341/299, 107 AB, 3 2B, 1 3B, 11 BB, 37 K, 3-4 SB

Brands returned to the GCL and had largely the same season.  In fact, his OPS was identical to 2015.  He split his time between catcher and third, starting 17 games behind the plate and 11 at the hot corner.  He had problems defensively at third, but threw out 37% of base stealers.

2017
R+:  220/311/373, 118, 7 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 16 BB, 49 K, 1-1 SB

Brands shared the catching duties at Bristol with Jason Delay.  He showed some power at the plate, but struck out at an extremely high rate.  He threw out 27% of base stealers, but had 13 passed balls in just 32 games behind the plate.

2018
A-:  234/298/260, 77 AB, 2 2B, 7 BB, 29 K, 3-6 SB

Brands served as a backup at Morgantown.  With Grant Koch there most of the year, Zac Susi for much of it and Jin-De Jhang for a lengthy rehab, Brands caught only ten games.  He also started games at first, second, third, left and right.  He didn’t hit much when he played and he had a lot of trouble making contact.

If Brands returns in 2019 it’ll likely be in the same role.