by Jay Yim
After a five-week stay in the minors, Hank Conger was called back up to “the show” by the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 19.
The 23-year-old catcher was originally jettisoned to Triple A Salt Lake on July 19 due to his struggles offensively and behind the plate.
Conger’s seems to have straightened out his problems during his brief stint in the minors.
“One improvement that was tangible was his receiving was much quieter,” said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. “Some things got away from him. One of the things was his receiving skills. He was getting jabby, pulling things out of the zone. Just looked like he was fighting himself a bit. We know from talking with [Salt Lake manager] Keith Johnson and watching video with him that that has been smoothed out, and he feels much more comfortable receiving the ball.”
Conger said he noticed steady improvement in his game the past two to three weeks, most notably with his throws to second base, which had previously been bouncing in front of the base or tailing high and away from it by improving his release point and making sure to not rush his throws.
While at Salt Lake, Conger also made a contribution with his bat, as he hit .300 with five home runs and 26 RBI’s in his 27 games with the Bees. It was another reason for the Angels — who are chasing the Texas Rangers in the American League West pennant race — to call Conger back up as the Angels lineup featured the worst hitting catchers in the major leagues. Jeff Matthis and Bobby Wilson who were both batting well under .200.
In his first game back last Saturday, Conger made an immediate positive impression on defense but not with his arm, but with his concentration by holding onto a throw from rightfielder Torii Hunter in the top of first tinning to tag out Baltimore’s Nick Markakis who had collided with him at home plate to prevent the Orioles from scoring a run.
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