After a career year, what is next for Derek Norris?

Catcher Derek Norris was traded to the San Diego Padres last season from the Oakland Athletics after spending three seasons with them. The change benefitted him. This was Norris’ best season in the majors. He batted .250 with a career high of 14 homeruns and 62 RBIs. His 147 games played were also a career high.

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Norris, however did most of his damage behind the plate. He led the major with 38 baserunners thrown out. Brian McCann of the New York Yankees was second with 26 runners thrown out. That is the most in a single season since Gerald Laird of the Detroit Tigers threw out 40 runners. His previous season in Oakland, Norris only threw out eight runners.

He may not be playing as much next season though.

"“Where he was at last year, that’s probably not the best recipe for him playing that many games,” said Padres manager Andy Green. “The wear and tear at the end of the season … we are going to talk through that.”“But I love the fact [Norris] wants to be on the field every day. I know that Austin Hedges wants to be on the field every day. This roster is not set. We don’t know how it’s going to play and we don’t know how many games each of those guys are going to play.” (Padres.com)"

Norris enjoyed playing in a lot of games though.

“There are a lot of positives to take from this year. I learned a lot playing every day. Hopefully the next couple of years of my career I’m able to get better and better. That’s my ultimate goal,” Norris said.

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Fellow catcher Austin Hedges made his debut last year and played in 56 games. He batted .168 with three homeruns and 11 RBI’s.

Norris was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 draft and was traded to Oakland after the 2011 season. Of course that backfield also has added competition with the acquisition of former Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt.

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