As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the catchers and start with the Boston Red Sox.
After losing Victor Martinez via free agency the Red Sox are vulnerable behind the plate. They have some returners and prospects in place and have acquired some promising players in trades and on the waiver wire. The position may not wind up being weak, but it may be a whirlwind for awhile to see which catchers fit.
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Boston acquired Salty in a trade last season with Texas. This guy has been a top prospect since first gaining notice with the Atlanta Braves in 2005. However, he has done little to increase his stock since then. Saltalamacchia has been given chance after chance with the Braves and Rangers and he has never produced. He spent most of last season in the Minor Leagues and on the disabled list, playing only 12 games in the Majors. Boston is hoping that Salty will be adequate enough to replace Martinez and in a perfect world finally realize his potential. It seems like he's been around forever but he'll only turn 26 on May 2, so he still has a lot of upside.
2. Jason Varitek: Varitek probably should have retired after the end of the 2009 season but he's under contract and is popular both with fans and with team management so he won't be going anywhere. He only managed to play in 39 games last season and did not perform well. Never a strong defensive catcher, he is far from ideal as a reserve backstop. With Saltalamacchia a question mark as the starter the Red Sox are hoping that Varitek can have a renaissance of sorts and provide a big boost off the bench and maybe even return to starting. My advice to Theo: Don't guzzle on wine that has turned to vinegar.
3. Luis Exposito: Exposito is a former 31st-round draft pick who has never hit overly well in the Minor Leagues but is a defensive standout. He's not a top prospect but Boston likes his potential. He's probably only ready for AAA at the start of the season but he is expected to be in the bigs by September. With the health issues and general incompetence of the two incumbent catchers Red Sox Nation should rest assured that there is a defensive-ready insurance policy waiting in the wings.
4. Mark Wagner: Wagner is a former ninth-round draft pick who, like Exposito, has never impressed with his bat in the Minors but is strong defensively. Wagner spent last season at Pawtucket and had a stint on the disabled list. Red Sox Nation should hope that Wagner was hindered by his injuries: He only batted .224 on the season. Wagner's playing time has gradually decreased as he's advanced through Boston's system and he has never been considered a top prospect. At this point in time he's probably more suited to a backup role both mentally and physically. The good news: He's ready to step into that role now.
The Pawtucket Red Sox may sign an aging Major League veteran or two to compete for their catching position and those players would probably get a look from the BoSox in Spring Training though they would be unlikely to make the team. Boston also claimed former Rangers catcher Max Ramirez on waivers but it is unclear how he fits into the catching scheme at this time. Basically, Theo Epstein feels all set with Saltalamacchia and Varitek despite the questions surrounding both players. Expect to see Exposito in September and Wagner in the bigs at any time if there is an injury to either Varitek or Salty, but Red Sox Nation should prepare themselves for a season of some combination of those two players behind the plate.
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