Yankees Catchers

The Yankees are attempting to repeat as AL East champions in 2012.  With that being said, a large part of their team from 2011 remains intact.  One such position is catcher.

1.  Russell Martin:  Martin got off to an extremely quick start last season, but it was all downhill from there.  He finished with respectable numbers due to the quick start, with 18 home runs (nine came in April) and 65 runs batted in, but a quick examination of his basic stats reveals his struggles.  Once known for being a good line drive hitter with a high batting average and even some speed, Martin batted only .237 with eight stolen bases last season, and he failed to reach the 100-hit plateau.  Martin is a poor defensive catcher, but sadly is an upgrade over the man that he replaced behind the Yankees dish, Jorge Posada, who was arguably the worst everyday catcher in the history of the game.  Still, Martin should be a disappointment again this season.

2.  Francisco Cervelli:  Cervelli is attempting to come back from a series of concussions, and that's always a little shaky.  But the Yankees expect him to return next season, and LeRoy thinks that he'll make it back.  And you can understand why they want him to return hailing hearty.  Cervelli is an excellent defensive catcher, something they need with Martin as the starter, and he's a pretty decent hitter too, batting .266 in 124 at-bats.

3.  Austin Romine:  Romine is one of the most promising prospects in all of baseball and he's the guy the Yankees want backing up Martin if Cervelli doesn't work out.  They went that route with him last year in the Minors, figuring that he would one day back up Jesus Montero in the Bronx.  But with Montero traded to Seattle they may have to rethink that strategy once again.  And they might want to pick up a veteran catcher as insurance if Cervelli has problems with post-concussion syndrome.  Romine probably needs almost a full season at Columbus before he's ready for the Majors.  He was recalled last September, batting .158 in 19 at-bats.

4.  Gustavo Molina:  Molina is a Minor League veteran who spent the season in the Yankees system last year.  He is well-liked in the organization and was brought back for 2012.  With Cervelli in jeopardy and Romine still developing, Molina could see serious big league time this season.  But he probably isn't the answer, and Yankees fans shouldn't expect much from him this season.  He batted .167 in six at-bats for the Yankees last season.

The Yankees don't look good behind the plate.  Martin's career has been in steady decline for three straight seasons, and he probably won't hit nine home runs in a month again this season.  Cervelli's a good backup but his health is in question.  Romine isn't ready yet and Molina never has been.  It could be a long year for Yankees catchers.