Bonded by no-no, Rodón, Collins swap swag

Carlos Rodón and Zack Collins have built a nice collection of no-hitter swag since the batterymates made history on April 14.

Rodón gifted Collins an engraved watch with the date of the game, and Collins returned the favor with matching gold engraved putters and a painting depicting the final out. The pitcher also gave the whole team engraved bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, which Collins said is for looking and not drinking.

The collection serves as a reminder to the catcher, who made his first big league roster out of Spring Training this season, of the growth and relationships he is building with his pitching staff.

“On a daily basis, we were impressed with how much he was considering [statistics],” said manager Tony La Russa on what has impressed him most from Collins. “He comes back with intelligent answers. When he had a chance to play, he was smart and creative. He will continue to improve, just because the more you learn about your pitchers, the better you can get.”

Collins is splitting time behind the plate with Yasmani Grandal, who has exclusively caught for Dallas Keuchel. Collins has worked with all other pitchers, becoming more comfortable calling the game and learning their styles.

“Every guy that comes out of our 'pen or starts the game for us has thrown incredible this year,” said Collins. “For me, it makes it a lot easier when you've got guys throwing 98 mph with a nasty slider like Rodón was [Friday], throwing three pitches for strikes. I mean, what else could you ask for?”

With Collins' batterymate Rodón -- they have worked together in five of the southpaw's seven starts -- the backstop can feel the improvement in their communication every game. Even before the no-hitter, Collins has praised the lefty on his “nasty” slider and compares his caliber as a pitcher to Lucas Giolito and Lance Lynn.

“Some people just take time to figure it out,” said Collins. “This year, [Rodón] came into camp ready to go and earned a spot in the rotation and has shown everything that we've been waiting for.”

Collins has continued to impress his skipper since January, when they first met. La Russa spoke to the catcher’s ability to adjust mid-game and manage pitchers when something isn’t working. He said the in-game adjustments and his willingness to work are reasons why the first-round pick has earned his respect.