Arencibia’s replacement sets his own goals

Brian Jeroloman's first jump to Triple-A baseball more than two years ago didn't turn out the way he had hoped.

Then a 22-year-old catcher in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Jeroloman had expectations he admits were too high.

And this time, he's vowed not to put any pressure on himself -- despite the fact that he's following one of the organization's top prospects

Jeroloman was called up to the 51s from Double-A New Hampshire late last week to replace phenom J.P. Arencibia, who went 4-for-4 with two home runs in his major league debut Saturday.

"I joke around that they called God up, so they sent me here," said Jeroloman, a three-time Eastern League All-Star at New Hampshire and a sixth-round pick by the Blue Jays in the 2006 draft. "J.P. is incredible, but you can't think about that. You have to concentrate on what you're doing."

Jeroloman hit .261 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs in 81 games at New Hampshire this season, his best offensive season as a professional.

But Jeroloman's game isn't defined by his offense.

"It gets old hearing it from everybody, but I've always been a good defensive catcher," he said. "I'd rather go 0-for-4 and catch and call a good game and take care of my pitchers than go 4-for-4 and have him get roughed up out there. Taking care of the pitcher is a big goal for me."

Jeroloman worked with many of the 51s pitchers during spring training and is familiar with most of his new teammates.

"He's a very good defensive catcher, handles the game well, throws well, blocks well," 51s manager Dan Rohn said. "He should be able to handle it. He just needs to come in and play his game."

Jeroloman struggled in his first Triple-A stint in 2008. He batted .200 with just two extra-base hits and five RBIs in 25 games for Syracuse.

"I expected to do incredible. I pressed too much," Jeroloman said. "I tried to hit five-run home runs every time at bat. The game doesn't happen like that.

"It is the same game," he added. "I tell pitchers that all the time, and I became a victim of what I tell everyone. The game stays the same. You stick to your game plan."

So far, Jeroloman is doing just that.

In his first two games with the 51s, he went 3-for-7 with a home run and three RBIs. Opponents attempted only one steal against Jeroloman, who entered the season having thrown out more than 40 percent of attempted base stealers in his pro career.

"You just have to stick to yourself, know your strengths, and good things will happen," Jeroloman said. " You can't worry about what other people do. You can't look up, you can't look back. The day you look up or look back is the day you lose sight of where you're going."

■ NOTES -- Palo Verde graduate Brandon Kintzler struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning for Nashville. ... 51s outfielder Jason Lane pitched the ninth inning.

Contact prep sports reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.