Since Swihart is a switch hitter perhaps by mid-season he can be the LHH bat to balance out Vaz...
Christian Needs Some Help Back There
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So by mid-season Swihart would have ~300-400 AAA plate appearances.
Varitek had 425 AAA PA before coming up.
Gedman had 383 AAA PA.
Fisk had 350 AAA PA.
I was fascinated to learn that Mighty Mark Sullivan had almost 1000 AAA plate appearances. The people of Pawtucket were a patient bunch.
Varitek had 425 AAA PA before coming up.
Gedman had 383 AAA PA.
Fisk had 350 AAA PA.
I was fascinated to learn that Mighty Mark Sullivan had almost 1000 AAA plate appearances. The people of Pawtucket were a patient bunch.
Cafardo speculating that Castro may be available. While 2014 was a disappointing year, he is just one season removed from an .800 OPS and has some pop from the left side. Anyone familiar with his defense? Seems like a step up from some of the other options.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/11/09/alex-rodriguez-future-more-uncertain-than-ever/7dtktuA39L6E0Zgiwl8ZEL/story.html
6. Jason Castro, C, Astros — With the Astros obtaining Hank Conger from the Angels, the feeling is they will listen to trade offers on Castro. The former Red Sox draft pick and Stanford star is only 27. He hit .222 this past season but had 14 homers and knocked in 56 runs as a lefthanded bat, which is something the Red Sox might be looking for at catcher.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/11/09/alex-rodriguez-future-more-uncertain-than-ever/7dtktuA39L6E0Zgiwl8ZEL/story.html
6. Jason Castro, C, Astros — With the Astros obtaining Hank Conger from the Angels, the feeling is they will listen to trade offers on Castro. The former Red Sox draft pick and Stanford star is only 27. He hit .222 this past season but had 14 homers and knocked in 56 runs as a lefthanded bat, which is something the Red Sox might be looking for at catcher.
Evan Gattis is on the block. Could make sense if the price is right, and other trade scenarios unfold. He could become DH post Papi.
MLBTR thinks Alex Avila is a non-tender candidate, presumably because the Tigers think McCann is ready and have better things to do than spend Avila's $5.4M option money on a backup. Seems far-fetched to me, but if it does happen then the Sox should be all over Avila, who seems like an excellent short-term fit.
The Sox job is not necessarily a true backup role, though. Vazquez is inexperienced, and may not hit enough; plus there could be injuries. A LHH with some pop may have some opportunities.
A LHH with some pop may be able to start somewhere, reestablish his career and hopefully earn a decent payday as a 2016 FA. His father is also Assistant G.M. and Vice President of the Tigers, may have a say in where Alex winds up and might like to see that happen.
Nick Cafardo @nickcafardo 56s56 seconds ago
Tigers are listening on catcher Al Avila. Braves and Red Sox have some interest
https://twitter.com/nickcafardo/status/532661087347306497
Tigers are listening on catcher Al Avila. Braves and Red Sox have some interest
https://twitter.com/nickcafardo/status/532661087347306497
They really just need a band aid at that spot. I'd re-sign Ross until Swihart is ready which I imagine won't take much longer. He's at least a little self-aware that his job is close to ending no matter where he goes. Though cooked offensively, it's only going to be 100 AB.
soxhop411 said:
Career .256/.358/.434 hitter vs RHP. Walks at a good clip (12.8% career) , struggles to make contact (26.4 K% career, 33% last year) . Defensive metrics like him.
I like the power upside. Wouldn't be a terrible guy to platoon with Christian Vazquez. He's taken a beating from concussions the last few years, regular rest and less time behind the plate would probably do him good.
foulkehampshire said:
Its probably a case of the Sox merely having to outbid the other suitors. One would assume the Tigers are non-tendering him so they will take what they feel is the best offer. And if he's traded instead then he can't really complain about playing time. This seems like a perfect solution. He'll probably miss half the season anyways - and the Sox medical staff certainly are experienced dealing with concussions.
Would it make any sense to bring Blake up at the start of the season as a twice-a-week catcher who can also PH on occasion? Just asking....
I don't think you want to stunt his development with only 2 games a week.jacklamabe65 said:
Edit: What Rudy said.
Jose Molina DFA'ed by the Rays.
Would he be a suitable backup for Christian?
http://www.draysbay.com/2014/11/20/7257249/rays-40-man-roster-dfa-jose-molina
Would he be a suitable backup for Christian?
http://www.draysbay.com/2014/11/20/7257249/rays-40-man-roster-dfa-jose-molina
No way. Offensively awful and he is completely missing pitches while trying to frame. Started in 2013.Reggie's Racquet said:
Yes. And why the F would you start $wihart's clock while playing him twice a week and not allowing him to gain valuable AAA experience?MakMan44 said:
FWIW, in August, BA gave that same designation to Vasquez.http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2014-triple-best-tools/Doctor G said:
If Swihart moved to the number 1 position after Vasquez was called up then that is pretty amazing for 2 catchers in the same organization.
Regardless, Swihart needs more time at AAA. I hope he has a great spring training and then gets sent back to Pawtucket with a boatload of confidence knowing that he can hit ML pitching.
Soxfan in Fla said:
Yes, but we're talking about a b/u catcher here...at very little money. One who can tutor our young catchers and knows the league. Kind of a throw away position if you have a young guy behind the plate who can catch a shitload of games.
If Vazquez goes down, then Swihart is called up. Molina would never, ever be the frontline catcher for this team.
Molina has slipped a lot in the last year and was said to be missing a lot of balls as his framing skills diminish. If they are going the route of the established vet, just bring back Ross.geoduck no quahog said:
Manramsclan said:
Jose Molina of the .178/.230/.189 BA/OBP/SLG last year? No thanks. He was released for a reason.
ookami7m said:
David Ross of the .184/.260/.368 in 50 games as Lester's caddy is not someone I want to see back either. You are right, though, they both suck offensively.
Who do you suppose the Sox sign for backup catcher?
Someone who has defensive ability, great reputation for handling a pitching staff, and plus pitch framing skills.
Someone who won't cost money or draft picks.
Someone who is fungible enough that could be easily released if Swihart impresses enough to break through this year.
The Sox aren't counting on offense from their catcher this year with the way the lineup is currently constructed, and I would hope the AJP experience tilted them back in favor of those things described above(pitch framing, defense).
So, what say you ookami7m? Do you have an alternative?
Ross will likely cost more than someone who was just released from his club. IMO they are probably a wash talent wise.
For the purposes of signing Lester bringing his caddy back may be necessary, but it may also be that it is only necessary for his catcher to actually be able to, you know, catch.
I think Jose Molina fits the criteria that best describes what the Red Sox need at backup catcher with Vazquez hopefully getting the lionshare of the time. Additionally, with Blake Swihart knocking on the door, investing in any veteran catcher on the FA market seems foolhardy in my opinion.
Controlling the running game should also be a a priority with teams more aggressive on the bases in this run-starved environment.
Here are the FA Catchers according to ESPN
Noted slash line from 2013 which was your chosen metric in this case
Ryan Doumit 33 (Caught 2 games last year)
Gerald Laird 35 (.204/.275/.257)
Wil Nieves 37 (.254/.270/.344)
AJP 37 (Do I need too?)
H. Quintero 37 (.000/.000/.000)
D. Ross 37 ([SIZE=14.3999996185303px].184/.260/.368)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.3999996185303px]G. Soto 33 (.262/.354/.357)[/SIZE]
The only guy who jumps out at me as a better option is Soto because he is way better offensively. a)How much will he cost? b)Will he want to come to a part time role? c)Will he be helpful to C. Vazquez's development?
I think I can answers these questions for Molina: a)Not much, b)he won't have a lot of choice, and c)he can help Vazquez learn to handle the staff in a league and division he already knows really well.
I know that Soto is in his first year of FA, and Catching being what it is in the league he will be making some money. Not a budget breaker, but why would the Sox spend on him with Swihart in the pipeline.
Anecdotally, Molina is a better receiver and pitch framer than Soto. I'm not well-versed enough in Catcher's ERA or advanced metrics to support that statistically.
Put all of that together, and my point stands. Molina can be had for peanuts, is still a solid to great defensive catcher that pitcher love throwing too, and is a good fit for a team that has Swihart knocking on the door.
EDIT: Thanks Dopes
How bad does Lavarnway have to be as a defensive catcher to not warrant the backup role instead of one of the people in your list?
Of that drek only Soto stands out .. And coincidentally there's a post over in the 2015 Red Sox thread stating that the Sox are in on Soto
Which certainly makes sense. Much more sense than trading real assets for the likes of Grandal who will be blocking Swihart.
Which certainly makes sense. Much more sense than trading real assets for the likes of Grandal who will be blocking Swihart.
The one advantage to Molina is that Christian Vazquez worked out with the Molina brothers in catching sessions during the off season, so having him would mean having a mentor already familiar with Vazquez's form.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/03/05/red-sox-christian-vazquez-catching-with-help-molinas/d8Rmi3rjCgIIUK1ToTAYhN/story.html
I'd prefer Soto, easily, but I don't think it's a bad idea to have a catching 'coach' like that on hand for Vazquez, if he came at minimum salary.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/03/05/red-sox-christian-vazquez-catching-with-help-molinas/d8Rmi3rjCgIIUK1ToTAYhN/story.html
I'd prefer Soto, easily, but I don't think it's a bad idea to have a catching 'coach' like that on hand for Vazquez, if he came at minimum salary.
I am intrigued by the John Jaso possibility. LH hitter, Oakland could be induced to include him in a deal with Kazmir or Shark. FA in 2016 I think so he could be a bridge to Swihart. I don't believe his defense is special (at least as to throwing; don't know about framing), but a respectable counterpart to Vasquez.
Fire away.
Fire away.
History of concussions. Interesting read about Jaso's health and his wife's take on it (via Tw):dcb46 said:
http://www.athleticsnation.com/2014/11/6/7171971/john-jaso-clean-bill-of-health-athletics-david-forst-should-jaso-catch
I think you'd have to talk with Jaso first to see if he's even willing to get back behind the plate.
I know Grandal was kicked around in other threads, but this is probably the best place to bring him up.
112 OPS+ last season, though his defense took a step back last season if FG is believed. 4 years of control left and can play some 1st. Obviously it depends on the price, but I think he's a very interesting candidate.
112 OPS+ last season, though his defense took a step back last season if FG is believed. 4 years of control left and can play some 1st. Obviously it depends on the price, but I think he's a very interesting candidate.
They already have a better catcher who will be knocking on the door mid season. Soto on a one year deal makes the most sense.MakMan44 said:
I think this is silly. Dismissing it out of hand, without even knowing the price, because of Swihart doesn't make much sense to me. You acquire Grandal to share time with Vaz in 2015 and deal with it if Swihart forces the issue.BCsMightyJoeYoung said:
Steamer projects Butler at .239/.305/.364, and Soto at .224/.292/.374. The Butler projection may come with high variance. But if they can't get Soto on terms they like, I see no reason to be upset. Butler seems like decent, or even good, option by the standards of backup catcher in this run scoring environment.
For injury insurance, they can try to get at least a couple AAAA-type guys on ml deals with ST invites, or as throw-ins in a trade. In Spring Training whittle that down to one or two that you can keep in Pawtucket and wouldn't be terrified to give 100 PAs in case of emergency. Given that Soto is the best on the (thin) market, we might be surprised by what he gets.
For injury insurance, they can try to get at least a couple AAAA-type guys on ml deals with ST invites, or as throw-ins in a trade. In Spring Training whittle that down to one or two that you can keep in Pawtucket and wouldn't be terrified to give 100 PAs in case of emergency. Given that Soto is the best on the (thin) market, we might be surprised by what he gets.
He was also a Biogenesis guy .. And was suspended for 50 games in 2013. The Sox seem committed to Vazquez so whomever they acquire is for a backup role - so they want a guy on a one year deal as a placeholder until Swihart is ready.MakMan44 said:
I mean what's the point of having blue chip prospects if you don't give them a chance to play? If you want to have guys like Lester or Hamels on big contracts you have to have lots of young cheap talent to counterbalance that.
Hey, like Grandal might be. Again, if Swihart forces the issue, you deal with it then.BCsMightyJoeYoung said:
Grandal would be a hell of a back up catcher and I'd rather have him at 500K next season over whatever Soto is going to make if the prospect price is right.
Grandal is arbitration eligible this winter so he's going to make 3-4 million one expects. No one makes 500k.MakMan44 said:
Does not the PED connection give you any pause?
That he is, misread his service time. Apologies.BCsMightyJoeYoung said:
Not particularly, no. I mean, I know some people don't like have known PED users on their team but if he's a good player off them while on the Sox next season it really doesn't bug me.
Well .. Hasn't it occurred to you that the reason he was a "good player" might have something to do with the PED usage? Or that he may still be using? If he gets caught again it's at least 100 games - which will make him untradeable.MakMan44 said:
But let's pretend he is what his stats appear to tell us .. A decent hitting catcher with below average defense. Would you trade Blake Swihart for him? If not (and I would really like to think you wouldn't) what would be a decent swap for a no longer cheap probably below average player?
Given the Padres seem rather keen to deal him I wouldn't be surprised if he's non tendered.
We don't know if he's below average defensively. He might be, but he was good the previous 2 seasons.
I'm thinking one of the excess SP we have, maybe a Ranaudo type. Assuming $3 million next season, you're paying him the same amount that David Ross made last season. $3 million is absolutely peanuts to the Red Sox so if he's caught again next season, you call up Butler and don't tender him a contract in 2016. It's that simple.
However, assuming his 2014 wasn't PED fueled, his Streamer line for 2015 is pretty great for a back up catcher. I mean, people are touting Soto on a 1 year deal like that's a great thing. He had 87 PAs in 2014 and 184 in 2013. Shooting for Grandal is a pretty low risk, moderate reward type of deal.
EDIT: And enough of the Swihart thing. Seriously. If Grandal is amazing next season, you can move him to first, you can trade him, you can DH. There's a shit ton of options. If he sucks, you non-tender him and move on.
I'm thinking one of the excess SP we have, maybe a Ranaudo type. Assuming $3 million next season, you're paying him the same amount that David Ross made last season. $3 million is absolutely peanuts to the Red Sox so if he's caught again next season, you call up Butler and don't tender him a contract in 2016. It's that simple.
However, assuming his 2014 wasn't PED fueled, his Streamer line for 2015 is pretty great for a back up catcher. I mean, people are touting Soto on a 1 year deal like that's a great thing. He had 87 PAs in 2014 and 184 in 2013. Shooting for Grandal is a pretty low risk, moderate reward type of deal.
EDIT: And enough of the Swihart thing. Seriously. If Grandal is amazing next season, you can move him to first, you can trade him, you can DH. There's a shit ton of options. If he sucks, you non-tender him and move on.
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