Sox already have a Starting Catcher

It is assumed that Ben Cherington is in desperate need of a starting catcher for 2014 and the current speculation includes FAs Carlos Ruiz [35] and Brian McCann [30], and A.J. Pierzynski [36], as well as a possible trade for Baltimore’s Matt Weiters [27]. But, maybe Cherington already has his starting catcher.

Check this guy out:

Age / DOB:	(26) / 8/7/1987
Ht / Wt:	6’4′ / 225
Bats / Throws:	Right / Right

$482,000

contract

Earliest Arb Eligible

: 2016,

Earliest Free Agent

: 2019

Let’s compare Catcher X with the departed Salty.

Saltalamacchia’s 2013 Season totals:

RBI

OBP

SLG

OPS

121

470

425

116

139

.273

.338

.466

.804

CATCHER X’s 2013 Season totals:

.299

.329

.429

.758

Since Catcher X had about 18% of Salty’s ABs, let’s multiply a few stats by 5.

CATCHER X ADJUSTED:

125 410 385 40 115 35 0 5 60 0 0 10 85 .299* X

*BA was calculated using 115 Hs and 385 ABs.

RBI

OBP

SLG

OPS

121

470

425

116

139

.273

.338

.466

.804

125 410 385 40 115 35 0 5 60 0 0 10 85 .299* .329 .429 .758

341

310

5 37

.268

.320

.368

.688

Aug 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (46) and catcher Ryan Lavarnway (20) speak during the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The third catcher listed is Carlos Ruiz.

What about defense?

SALTY DEF. CAREER

FLD% .988 lgCS% 27%

PLAYER X DEF. CAREER

FLD% .992 lgCS% 26%

Carlos Ruiz DEF. CAREER

FLD% .995 lgCS% 27%

SHOW ME THE MONEY

Salty turned down $14M for 1 year. Jon Heyman reports that Saltalamacchia is seeking a three or four-year deal with an average of around $9 million and the White Sox are very interested.

Ruiz wants $10M for 2 or 3 years each.

Catcher X is signed for LESS THAN HALF A MILLION per year for the next three years.

Yes, Catcher X is Ryan Lavarnway.

If you compare Lavarnway [27] to Ruiz, he beats the aging veteran [34]; the guy currently on the 40-man roster is about even on offense and defense. Ruiz may have a bit more power, but Lavarnway out hits him by 31 points on the BA [.299 to .268.]

Free Agent Brian McCann [29] has more power than both Ruiz and Lavarnway [20/57], but he scores just 3 runs more than Lavarnway [43/40], who also has a higher BA [.299 to .256].

If Ruiz thinks he can get $10M a year, then McCann can ask for $25M for 5-7 years. Our own BSI Co-Editor says “But his price is set at a five-year deal and some media members believe he’ll seek and obtain close to the $100 million dollar range.” [https://bosoxinjection.com/2013/11/14/red-sox-free-agent-rumors-roundup-catcher-edition/]

We are obligated to add A.J. Pierzynski

Our own Derek Stykalo writes:

“It’s been documented that Pierzynski has created a riff with teammates in the past and isn’t considered to be well liked around the league. Coming off a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, the Phillies are said to be highly attracted to Pierzynski, if they can’t retain Ruiz. A one-year deal worth $8 to $9 million might be enough to land the 37-year old but given the baggage that is said to come with him, let’s hope that Cherington is merely doing his due diligence.” [https://bosoxinjection.com/2013/11/14/red-sox-free-agent-rumors-roundup-catcher-edition/]

TAKE AWAY:

The Sox have a veteran catcher in Ross, who can start 60-70 games and school Lavarnway on handling pitchers, calling games, and defense.
The Sox have two excellent catching prospects who are 2-3 years away from MLB [Christian Vazquez [23], AAA and switch-hitter Blake Swihart [21], AA [Sox #5 rated prospect].
Ruiz will drain $10M a year for 2 years, get old and injured.
McCann would be a “Crawford Contract”–$22M, 5-years.
A.J. Pierzynski might play a year or two for $8-9M per year and be a cancer on the clubhouse.
Lavarnway will earn a half million dollars and Ben can have some extra cash to spend.

Or, Cherington can add Lavarnway to the roster of his “Next Great Red Sox Team” and play him with Jackie Bradley, Jr., Will Middlebrooks, Xander Bogaerts, Bryce Brentz, and all the other prospects that are blossoming in AAA and AA in 2014.

Cherington has to have the balls to risk not repeating as World Series Champions, so he can begin the transition to the his mostly home-grown team that will stay together and be a contender for a decade.

BSI RELATED POST: https://bosoxinjection.com/2013/11/14/red-sox-free-agent-rumors-roundup-catcher-edition/

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