Red Sox Catching Situation
November 26, 2008 by Mike
Per Boston Herald:
The Sox will not wait to settle the Varitek issue before deciding on a Plan B. They refuse to even say if signing Varitek is Plan A, and according to baseball sources yesterday, the team is completing due diligence on many other options.
The Texas catching trio of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden and Gerald Laird has gathered the most trade ink, but more teams making their catching options known to the Sox.
The Angels are open to dealing either Jeff Mathis or Mike Napoli, and manager and former catcher Mike Scioscia is a Varitek admirer. Other catchers being shopped to the Sox: Brian Schneider (Mets), Miguel Montero (Diamondbacks), John Buck (Royals), Ramon Hernandez (Orioles), Bengie Molina (Giants), Carlos Santana, Kelly Shoppach and even Victor Martinez (Indians), Jesus Flores (Nationals), Kenji Johima and Jeff Clement (Mariners), and Yorvit Torrealba (Rockies).
The Braves, Cardinals and Rays also have made some catchers available. The Dodgers probably will not deal away Russell Martin but are considering a position change for him even though there seems to be no heir apparent.
The Dodgers and Tigers are believed to be two teams that will, if they have not already, express interest in Varitek. The Marlins are in search of a new catcher as well.
So far, the acquisition price for the blue-chip names has been too high for the Sox, as in at least one of the following players: Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, and Lars Anderson.
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I think Yanks should clarify the Varitek issue as early as possible or categorize his matter in a plan so that it could be settled in a hierarchy… and if the blue chip names are two high in prices,,, then they must think of some other name… still have to decide a lot Yanks
http://www.sportsviews.com
s you, lessen position, added to favorites.