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Yorvit Torrealba

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Yorvit Torrealba
Torrealba with the Colorado Rockies
Catcher
Born: (1978-07-19) July 19, 1978 (age 46)
Caracas, Venezuela
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 5, 2001, for the San Francisco Giants
Last MLB appearance
September 25, 2013, for the Colorado Rockies
MLB statistics
Batting average.256
Home runs56
Runs batted in339
Teams

Yorvit Adolfo Torrealba ([ʝoɾˈβit toreˈalβa]; born July 19, 1978) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers. He bats and throws right-handed.

Professional career

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San Francisco Giants

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Torrealba signed with the San Francisco Giants as a minor league free agent on September 14, 1994. He made his major league debut with the Giants on September 5, 2001, as a September call up. His first major league hit was a triple.[1] No other MLB player would record a triple for his first MLB hit until Jason Perry in 2008. Torrealba became the Giants back up catcher for the 2002 season after a strong spring training. During Torrealba's early career, his defensive abilities were his key strength, particularly his ability to throw out baserunners. He had 136 at-bats in 2001 and 200 in 2002.[2] During the 2002 postseason, Torrealba would still serve as the backup catcher although he made no appearances as the Giants lost the 2002 World Series to the Anaheim Angels.

Yorvit showed some potential, but when Benito Santiago left via free agency in 2003, the Giants opted to trade for A. J. Pierzynski rather than test Torrealba as a full-time player.[3] He continued to serve as the backup catcher when the Giants signed Mike Matheny prior to the 2005 season; in fact, he played less than when Pierzynski was the starter. Torrealba expressed frustration over his lack of playing time to the media more than once, saying he believed he was capable of playing every day.[4] Manager Felipe Alou publicly discussed the possibility of converting Torrealba into a utility player to get him more playing time, but that never came to pass.

Seattle Mariners

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Torrealba was traded, along with pitcher Jesse Foppert, to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Randy Winn at the trading deadline of the 2005 season.[5] The Mariners were in the midst of a 93-loss season and were rebuilding, and Torrealba competed for the opportunity to be Seattle's starting catcher.

Colorado Rockies

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After the 2005 season, the Seattle Mariners traded Torrealba to the Colorado Rockies for Marcos Carvajal after signing Kenji Johjima to be their starting catcher.[6] With the Rockies, Torrealba had a chance to be the starting catcher, but lost the job after he was injured prior to the 2006 season, establishing Danny Ardoin as the Rockies starting catcher. Torrealba's injury was a lingering shoulder injury that was caused by overtraining.[3]

Torrealba batting for the Colorado Rockies in 2007

During November 2007, rumors that Torrealba would sign with the Mets intensified. Torrealba and the Mets agreed on a deal for $14.4 million over three years.[7] The deal had seemed to be done, but with the failing of Yorvit's physical he was never sent to New York.[8][9] Torrealba would later file a grievance against the Mets.[10] On November 29, 2007, he re-signed with the Rockies.[11]

Torrealba began the 2007 season for the Rockies platooning with rookie catcher Chris Iannetta. When Iannetta struggled, Torrealba won the starting job. On May 29, 2007, against the St. Louis Cardinals, Torrealba hit a grand slam, the 3rd of his career. He finished the season with a .255 average and 47 RBIs in 396 at-bats and he threw out only 17 percent of potential base-stealers, down from his success in previous seasons.[2] Torrealba had some big hits for the Rockies during late 2007, when the Rockies won 12 of their last 13 to force a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres, which the Rockies won. Torrealba homered off Jake Peavy in that game.[12] Torrealba also hit a 3-run home run off of former teammate Liván Hernández in Game 3 of the 2007 National League Championship Series.[13] Torrealba led the Rockies to the World Series for the first time ever but lost the series to the Boston Red Sox in a 4-game sweep.[14]

Through the 2007 season, Torrealba posted a career .251 batting average with 30 home runs and 173 RBIs in 440 games.[15] As a catcher, he compiled a .997 fielding average with only seventeen errors in 2587 chances; Torrealba's defense has been above average throughout his career. He has thrown out over 32% of all baserunners attempting to steal. His ability to throw out runners was a career low 19.7% in 2007. Due to his impressive postseason play, Torrealba has recently been dubbed "Mr. Rocktober."[2]

Torrealba has an unusual throwing motion, as he brings his hand to earside and then snaps his arm in a quick motion, although it seems to work for him, given his success at throwing out baserunners.

On November 6, 2009, the Rockies decided to go with youngster Chris Iannetta as their primary catcher and declined their 2010 contract option with Torrealba, making him a free agent.[16]

San Diego Padres

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On February 9, 2010, Torrealba and the San Diego Padres signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for a second year.[17] In 2010, he batted .271, and led the league's catchers in fielding percentage, at .996.[18] Following the season, Torrealba declined the option, but was later offered arbitration by the Padres.[19]

Texas Rangers

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Torrealba playing for the Texas Rangers in 2011

Torrealba agreed to a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers for $6.25 million.[20] Torrealba homered in his second game with his new team.

In 2011, he batted .273 with 7 home runs.[18] On defense, he was third in the league in errors by a catcher, totalling 9 errors.[18] Torrealba led the Rangers into the postseason until the team lost the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.[21]

On July 30, 2012, Torrealba was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers [22] He was released on August 8, 2012.[23]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On August 14, 2012, Torrealba signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, and reported to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.[24] Torrealba was added to the 40 man roster and called up to the Blue Jays on August 21.[25] On August 22, Torrealba played first base for the first time in his career.[26]

Milwaukee Brewers

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On September 21, 2012, Torrealba was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations or a player to be named later.[27] He ended up appearing in five games for the Brewers, going 0-for-5 at the plate with one walk.[28]

Colorado Rockies (second stint)

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On January 24, 2013, Torrealba signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.[29] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on March 29. In 61 games, Torrealba batted .240 and had 8 doubles and 16 RBIs for the Rockies.[30]

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

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On January 31, 2014, Torrealba signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[31] He was released on March 23.[32]

Chicago Cubs

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On June 12, 2014, Torrealba signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[33] He was released on July 17.[34]

Personal life

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Torrealba's parents gave him his name when they could not decide between Yorman and Victor. They decided to combine the two into "Yorvit".[35] Torrealba's parents still reside in Venezuela.

Torrealba has two sons named Yorvis Eduardo Torrealba (1997) and Julian Xavier Houston-Torrealba (2000).[36] In June 2009, Yorvit Torrealba was unexpectedly placed on the Rockies' restricted list. On June 4, 2009, it was announced that the reason for his absence was that his 11-year-old son and "his two uncles" had been kidnapped. The abductors set Yorvis and the other family members free without picking up the $50,000 that had been agreed upon. He then moved his son out of Venezuela to Miami.[37] Yorvis Eduardo tossed the first pitch in the third game of the 2009 National League Division Series against the Phillies,[38] and he was drafted by the Rockies in the 20th round of the 2019 MLB draft.[39]

Controversy

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On December 23, 2011, while playing for the Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League regular season, Torrealba argued heatedly following a strikeout. He then was ejected by umpire Dario Rivero, Jr. Before leaving, he delivered a shot to Rivero in the head. Torrealba claimed that his attack on the umpire was because of a disputed strike call prior to striking out. As a result, the league suspended Torrealba for 66 games, which did not carry over to Major League Baseball or any other baseball circuit.[40]

See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yorvit Torrealba.

Notes

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  1. ^ "Arizona Diamondbacks at San Francisco Giants Box Score, September 5, 2001". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c "ESPN – Yorvit Torrealba Stats, News, Photos – Colorado Rockies – MLB Baseball". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 24, 2003. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Schulman, Henry (October 16, 2007). "NLCS NOTEBOOK / Torrealba not Rockies' first choice". The San Francisco Chronicle.
  4. ^ Schulman, Henry (February 19, 2005). "Yorvit accepts role, plays waiting game". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  5. ^ Schulman, Henry (October 16, 2007). "NLCS NOTEBOOK / Torrealba not Rockies' first choice". SFGATE. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  6. ^ "Yorvit Torrealba Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  7. ^ Marchand, Andrew (November 15, 2007). "Agent: Torrealba to agree to contract with Mets". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  8. ^ Shpigel, Ben (November 18, 2007). "Torrealba Out of Mets' Picture". The New York Times.
  9. ^ Rubin, Adam (November 17, 2007). "Mets' deal with Yorvit Torrealba is dead". Daily News. New York.
  10. ^ "Rockies' Torrealba files grievance over Mets deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 16, 2008. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  11. ^ Stapleton, Arnie (November 29, 2007). "Rockies re-sign catcher Yorvit Torrealba to 2-year deal". USA Today.
  12. ^ "San Diego Padres vs Colorado Rockies Box Score: October 1, 2007". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  13. ^ "2007 National League Championship Series (NLCS) Game 3, Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies: October 14, 2007". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  14. ^ "2007 World Series - Boston Red Sox over Colorado Rockies (4-0)". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  15. ^ "Yorvit Torrealba 2007 Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  16. ^ Renck, Troy E. (November 6, 2009). "Rockies decline Torrealba's option, and he becomes a free agent". The Denver Post. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  17. ^ Olney, Buster (February 5, 2010). "San Diego Padres to add catcher Yorvit Torrealba with 1-year contract". ESPN. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  18. ^ a b c "Yorvit Torrealba Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  19. ^ "Padres offer arbitration to 3 free agents". The Columbian. Vancouver, Washington. Associated Press. November 24, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  20. ^ "Rangers sign catcher Yorvit Torrealba". ESPN.com. November 29, 2010. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  21. ^ "2011 World Series - St. Louis Cardinals over Texas Rangers (4-3)". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  22. ^ Pouliot, Matthew (July 30, 2012). "Cubs send Paul Maholm, Reed Johnson to Atlanta; Geovany Soto to Texas". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  23. ^ Gleeman, Aaron (August 8, 2012). "Rangers release catcher Yorvit Torrealba". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  24. ^ Chisholm, Gregor (August 14, 2012). "Mathis signs two-year extension; Torrealba added". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  25. ^ Fraley, Gerry (August 21, 2012). "Blue Jays call up Yorvit Torrealba, save Rangers more than $100K". Dallas News. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  26. ^ Lott, John (August 22, 2012). "Injuries, losses pile up as Jays fall to Tigers". NationalPost.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
  27. ^ Harrison, Doug (September 21, 2012). "Blue Jays deal Yorvit Torrealba to playoff-contending Brewers". CBC. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  28. ^ "2012 Milwaukee Brewers Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  29. ^ Polishuk, Mark (January 24, 2013). "Rockies Agree To Sign Yorvit Torrealba". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  30. ^ "Yorvit Torrealba 2013 Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  31. ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (January 31, 2014). "Angels sign veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba to minor league deal". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 24, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  32. ^ "Angels release Carlos Pena, Chad Tracy, Torrealba". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  33. ^ Gleeman, Aaron (June 12, 2014). "Cubs sign Yorvit Torrealba". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  34. ^ Cain, Brandon (July 19, 2014). "Chicago Cubs release veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba". Cubbies Crib. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  35. ^ "MLB4U.com's blog". Mariners Catcher Yorvit Torrealba got his name when his parents couldn't pick between their favorites: Victor and Yorman, a popular choice in his native Venezuela. They combined the two, and came out with Yorvit.
  36. ^ "Torrealba Stats , Bio, Photos, Highlights". Mlb.mlb.com. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
  37. ^ "Torrealba discusses son's abduction for 1st time". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 14, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  38. ^ Groke, Nick (June 14, 2019). "Yorvis Torrealba, years removed from nightmare kidnapping, gets chance to follow in dad's footsteps with Rockies". The New York Times. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  39. ^ "The Story Behind Yorvis Torrealba, Son of Yorvit & Rockies Draft Choice". All Things Rockies. Inside the Seams. June 6, 2019. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2022 – via Sports Illustrated.
  40. ^ YouTube.com – Yorvit Torrealba agrede al umpire principal en juego Leones-Caribes (Spanish)
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