Can We Make The Nickname “Hot Lava” Stick?

Ryan Lavarnway has bounced between the Red Sox and Triple-A Pawtucket for three years now. One would’ve though that he would be in the majors as a full time catcher or designated hitter by now, but he has just never struck in the majors. He has a career slash line of just .171/.226/.281 with a mere 4 home runs and 53 strikeouts in 199 at bats. This is in comparison to his quite impressive slash line of .287/.378/.504 and his career 85 home runs in four and parts of two more seasons down in the minors.

Mar 7, 2013; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway (20) at bat against the Minnesota Twins during a spring training game at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Something has to be done to help Lavarnway have some long-term success at the major league level. My proposition is that we start a nickname trend for the burly catcher, and my input is “Hot Lava.” Here are a few reasons as to “Hot Lava” should become the proper terminology when referring to Ryan Lavarnway.

1. It can be chanted at Fenway Park (HOT LA-VA! HOT LA-VA!)
2. The nickname may get him hot when he isn’t hot, and when he is hot, it will remind the pitchers of that fact.
3. Everyone played the game “The floor is lava” when they were a little kid. This nickname will remind opponents that nobody steps on or screws with Ryan Lavarnway.
4. It just fits.

So, fans of BoSox Injection, let’s make this happen. Next time you go to Fenway Park, start chanting it if Lavarnway comes up to the plate. If you know somebody going to Fenway Park, tell them to start chanting it if Lavarnway comes up to the plate. I’m telling you, there’s no doubt that this nickname will get Lavarnway hot.