trades/signing this off season (Matt Holliday)

[dickay]

this site is more current;

Catchers Club
Rod Barajas TOR
Henry Blanco* CHC
Toby Hall* CWS
Mike Redmond* MIN
Ivan Rodriguez NYY
Javier Valentin CIN
Jason Varitek BOS
Gregg Zaun* TOR


http://baseballanalysts.com/archives..._preview_o.php

[dickay]

Looks like plenty of fine options to me. You aren't just going to magically acquire a catcher who is going to put up a .900 OPS with 30 HRs......

exactly

[KowboyKoop]

exactly

..and you're aren't just going to magically tell Youk to put on a catcher's mitt and expect him to play the position adaquately. There is a decent chance that moving Youk to catcher in 2009 would be a disaster..and it'd be pretty stupid for the BoSox to cost themselves even a few games while experimenting with this when they will be chasing the Rays once again....


IF they sign Tex, keep Youk at 3B, sign Miguel Olivo as your catcher. Not sure what is wrong with that...

[dickay]

..and you're aren't just going to magically tell Youk to put on a catcher's mitt and expect him to play the position adaquately. There is a decent chance that moving Youk to catcher in 2009 would be a disaster..and it'd be pretty stupid for the BoSox to cost themselves even a few games while experimenting with this when they will be chasing the Rays once again....


IF they sign Tex, keep Youk at 3B, sign Miguel Olivo as your catcher. Not sure what is wrong with that...

Just his .275 career OBP

[KowboyKoop]

Just his .275 career OBP

Lots of catchers have poor offense. Sign one of the other FA catchers then. You aren't going to find a catcher who can actually play the position and put up elite offensive numbers. Youk isn't an option, no matter how much you want it to be. Mike Sweeney played catcher once, maybe you should just sign him and put him there...simple!

[cartman00000001]

they had an interview with Youk on WEEI last week and he said of him moving to SS or catcher was ridiculous saying that these players are the best of the best and they spend countless hours to get where they are. You just can't move to another position on a whim.

[BINGLEBOP]

They could always sign a catcher with good defense. Sign somebody like Olivo, Barajas, Zaun, or Valentin for a season, or two at most. Then they can bring Kottaras along slowly as part of a platoon. Crazy thought for those who want an All-Star at every single position, but it's not like the Red Sox are starving for offense.

[BINGLEBOP]

they had an interview with Youk on WEEI last week and he said of him moving to SS or catcher was ridiculous saying that these players are the best of the best and they spend countless hours to get where they are. You just can't move to another position on a whim.

Yeah, I highly doubt one offseason including spring training would be enough to get Youkilis close to being an even average catcher. And many times, when a player is at a new position, their offense suffers. Why risk it?

[HoustonGM]

Yeah, I highly doubt one offseason including spring training would be enough to get Youkilis close to being an even average catcher. And many times, when a player is at a new position, their offense suffers. Why risk it?

Particularly when they move to catcher, as catching takes a much heavier toll on the body than any other position.

[dickay]

they had an interview with Youk on WEEI last week and he said of him moving to SS or catcher was ridiculous saying that these players are the best of the best and they spend countless hours to get where they are. You just can't move to another position on a whim.

I didn't hear that, but find it interesting it came up. I think this is part honesty and part the standard line. Whats he going to say, yeah i'll try catcher while the team is in negotiations with a close friend and team captain Tek?

Only reason I find it interesting is because its not a 'whim'. He was drafted as a catcher and has changed positions successfully twice in the past. Also, if Tex were signed, and Lowell healthy...it seems a much safer high upside option than the other weak catchers on the market.

If Tex isn't signed...this never gets considered. But there is very few ways to improve this current lineup. Tex is the biggest upgrade possible, and that 'upgrade' is negated partly because you're losing the offense of Lowell or Yuke. One has to sit...and the holes at SS, CF, and catcher as well as the uncertainty of Papi's health still exist.

I'm just stating its not unreasonable...and i'm prophetizing that once Tek leaves Boston for sure (i'm 75% sold that he's gone) you will hear this talk and Youk will state he'd be willing to do whatever necessary if Tex is signed.

[dickay]

Yeah, I highly doubt one offseason including spring training would be enough to get Youkilis close to being an even average catcher. And many times, when a player is at a new position, their offense suffers. Why risk it?

he's got experience there however...and its only 'risked' if you bring in Tex to play first. Still risky, but a calculated one with great upside.

[dickay]

Particularly when they move to catcher, as catching takes a much heavier toll on the body than any other position.

I already stated his offense would probably suffer...thats a given at that position...however his ability to work the pitcher and have a very good OBP and above average bat at the position is still very likely.

[Arctic Blast]

They could always sign a catcher with good defense. Sign somebody like Olivo, Barajas, Zaun, or Valentin for a season, or two at most. Then they can bring Kottaras along slowly as part of a platoon. Crazy thought for those who want an All-Star at every single position, but it's not like the Red Sox are starving for offense.

I tend to agree with this. You seem to have enough offense, so just concentrate on getting a catcher that you KNOW can, you know...CATCH.

[rockiesfan4ever]

I bet you Colorado would GLADLY give you Torrealba

[EVEN11323]

Seattle fans, what would it take for the Twins to trade for Adrian Beltre? I've been hearing his name thrown out there and I would like to see a guy like him on the Twins.