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Derek Norris trying to get ahead of the curve

By John Hiatt

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The Padres acquired Derek Norris from the Oakland Athletics back in December as part of the craziest month in Padres off season history, December 2014. On Friday the new Friar backstop caught his first bullpen session, and felt right at home working with the Padre pitching staff.

It certainly helped that he was acquired back in December because he was able to get accustomed to learning about the pitchers that he would be catching in 2015 as a Padre.

During the cold, and chilly off season in his hometown of  Wichita, Kansas, Norris was able to study the pitchers that he will be managing this year as both of the Padres 2014 catchers Rene Rivera, and Yasmani Grandal have both been dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers respectively.

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So when Norris was looking over the film what was he particularly looking for?

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com Norris said this:

"” I watched their outings from last year, looking at their stuff, seeing what they like to do.   “And [asked myself], ‘When push comes to shove, does he like to throw a heater at 95 [mph]? Does he like a changeup on the outside corner?’ Going through that process, I learned a lot.” Do you know what relationship is most important in baseball? I think it’s the Pitcher and Catcher relationship, and Derek Norris takes the Pitcher- Catcher relationship very seriously, and i think he does so because it’s one of the most important ones on the field."

To add to that Norris also had this to say about being ready to go for the start of the season, and Spring Training.

"” I want to be ahead of the curve i can pick these guys’ brains when i’m catching their bullpens, I want to make sure i’m on top of my game.”"

It sounds to me like new Padres Catcher Derek Norris is ready for Spring Training and ready to help this new Padres team succeed in 2015 and beyond. Are you ready for Spring Training games to start in a few weeks time?

We are one step closer to Opening Day 2015, until then if you want the latest Padres news, make sure to keep checking back with us here at Friars On Base as we bring you all the latest Padres news!

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