Getting to Know You: Chris Iannetta Colorado Rockies Catcher

Full circle for the veteran player

Chris Iannetta was actually drafted by the Rockies, fourth overall, in 2004.  His debut in the big leagues would be set off for two more years but he would then stay until 2011.

He was the Rockies opening day catcher in 2007 and played in 67 games, batting .218 with four home runs and 27 RBI’s.  Not bad for a rookie season but his next season would mark one of the finest offensive seasons by a catcher in Colorado.

Iannetta had a .264 average (88 for 333) that included 22 doubles, 18 home runs, and 65 RBI’s.  65 RBI’s in a season by a catcher was also a new franchise record.

In 2011 Iannetta played a career high 112 games while setting new records offensively as well for at bats (345), runs (51), walks (70), and stolen bases (6).  Unfortunately, this would also mark the last season with the Rox for Iannetta so far, he would be acquired by the Angels before the 2012 season for RHP Tyler Chatwood.

2013 was still productive with the Angels and the family welcomed a second child.  The 2014 season was Iannetta’s ninth big league season and third with the Angels.  He is still playing with an offensive consistency that he began his career with tying for fourth in the club with RBI’s.  We would see a stint in Seattle in 2016 and Arizona in 2017 before returning home to Coors Field and the Colorado Rockies.

It’s reported that Iannetta has a calming effect on the young pitching staff.  I would tend to agree that the catcher that has been around might know what he’s doing back there.  There’s chatter that he may be the ‘Jon Gray whisperer’, I guess the proof will be in the pudding.  I don’t like taking the credit of one person’s accomplishment and putting one another but there is a special relationship between pitcher and catcher for sure.

If there is a way to hone in on what makes Jon Gray tick, I don’t think anyone will care what it is.  Check out Chris Iannetta’s stats here and follow @rockies on Twitter.