Red Sox vs the AL East: catchers
By Conor Duffy
Sep 23, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (55) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
5. Christian Vazquez, Red Sox
Let’s be clear in saying that this is no longterm condemning of Vazquez’s skills. The AL East just boasts a particularly strong crop of catchers this season and, given Vazquez’s youth and inexperience, he currently ranks fifth. However, he should still be a reliable option for the Red Sox in his first full season, particularly behind the plate.
While Vazquez is no stud at the plate, slashing just .240/.308/.309 in 55 games for the Red Sox last season and is the owner of a career .261/.343/.388 minor league slash line, he was elite defensively. With the Red Sox, he threw out 52% of attempting base stealers, displaying the ability to completely shut down the running game, and was an excellent pitch framer as well. Plus, at just 24 years old, Vazquez has room to improve both offensively and defensively. He should be a serviceable option both next season and for the future, but on this list, he ranks fifth.