Daily Dodger in Review: Tim Federowicz gets passing marks as backup

TIM FEDEROWICZ, 26, catcher

Final 2013 stats: .231 batting average, four homers, 16 RBI, .275 on-base and .356 slugging percentages in 173 plate appearances; threw out 10 of 34 base stealers (29.4%).

Contract status: Under team control.

The good: Hit .289 on the road. During a 21-game stretch from July 20-Sept. 18 he hit .308.

The bad: Hit .122 with runners in scoring position, and was just one for 19 with two outs and runners in scoring position. Though he did not get as much playing time, he faded somewhat down the stretch, going just three for 19 (.158). Never really had a special moment.

What’s next: Figures to return as the backup catcher to A.J. Ellis.

The take: The Dodgers sent Fed mixed signals early. He made the team out of spring training as Ellis’ backup, but a few days later the Dodgers traded right-hander Aaron Harang to the Rockies for catcher Ramon Hernandez and Federowicz was back to triple A.

Hernandez lasted two months, displaying some power, but otherwise struggled, was designated on June 14 and the backup job was officially given to Federowicz for the rest of the season.

He performed adequately for most of the next three-plus months, but maybe not so great that General Manager Ned Colletti won’t at least look around. Colletti has demonstrated an affinity for veteran backup catchers.

Still, Fed only figures to benefit from his 2013 experience. He handled the staff well and gets along well with Ellis, not that that’s normally difficult. Defensively he’s fine, but like at the plate, there remains room for improvement. But he doesn’t turn 27 until next August, so his grading curve may still up on the upswing.

Federowicz did nothing that made him standout particularly, and nothing to make you cover the eyes. Right now, he looks like what he is, a backup catcher.