Red Sox Catching Situation Fixed?

So much has been made of the Red Sox catching situation. It seemed almost certain the Red Sox were going to have to go out and sign another catcher. Tek was batting like .097 and Salty wasn't doing much either. So, we were just waiting for the Sox to sign Molina, or I-Rod, but suddenly the catching situation doesn't look so bad (winning helps).

Over the past two weeks, Saltalamacchia has hit .292 with an .820 OPS, while Varitek is hitting .292 himself in May. Sure, that's a small sample, but if Salty can keep hitting then everything will be fine. I have actually really like the way he has been swinging the bat, and he just looks more confident at the plate.

Am I sold? No, far from it, but I at least feel a bit of hope.

Red Sox Contact Bengie Molina

"There has been speculation for weeks that the Boston Red Sox are losing patience with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, with one weekend report by Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com claiming the team had contacted free agent Bengie Molina.

There are already concerns about Salty's defense, and his .203 batting average with three walks and 19 strikeouts this season isn't helping things (ESPN)."

Tek isn't going anywhere, but I could really see the Sox getting rid Salty. I wouldn't do it just yet, as I do feel like he has been a little better at the plate, but we also can't have Tek catching 2 of every 5 games (or more), which seems to be what's going on right now.

Molina hasn't played all season, so maybe it would be a good idea to sign him soon and let him get some swings in the minors, and that would also buy Salty a little time to see if he can get going. Last year Molina played for Texas and San Francisco batting .249 with 5 HRs and 36 RBIs in 118 games. Nothing special there, but he plays good defense, and that offense is way more then we are getting from Tek or Salty.

How Bad Is The Red Sox Catcher Situation?

I think even the most biased Red Sox fans knew there was going to be problems behind the plate. Yet, I don't know if we knew it was going to be this bad. Tek is what he is, he calls a good game, but that's about it. At this point in his career he can't throw anyone out, or hit (let alone play everyday). Salty was supposed to be the future, but his defense looks worse the Teks. On top of that I don't know if these pitchers trust him, or like the way he calls games. I am not putting the pitchers problems just on his shoulders, but when everyone and their mother and stealing bases on him it adds a lot of pressure.

On top of Salty's struggles behind the plate he also isn't doing anything in the batters box either. Right now he is hitting .194, and although he has been hitting better of late he is not someone I trust to be consistent at all. My biggest concern is his relationship with the pitchers, and his ability to control base stealing, because this lineup (on paper) is good enough to take a shitty hitting catcher.

ESPN throws out the rumor that the Sox could make a move and get Ivan Rodriguez, who is getting less playing time with the Nationals. For once I agree with DP and I am all for it. He doesn't hit much anymore, but he throws out about 35% of the runners that steal on him and when you compare that to Salty (usually around 24%), and Tek (20%).

The Sox have so many problem right now (Crawford, bullpen, starting pitching, clutch hitting) that this isn't my main concern, but out of all their problems it's the one I don't see improving.

Red Sox 3 Rangers 6

The Sox were up 2-1 going into the bottom of the 6th, but that is when the wheels came flying off for John Smoltz and the Red Sox. Smoltz let up 3 HRs and a total of 5 runs in the 6th inning and with the way the Red Sox offense is playing that ended the game. Before the 6th Smoltz was looking really good, but he seemed to run out of gas, and then got lit up. Michael Young, former Red Sox David Murphy, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all went deep in the 6th.

The Red Sox have lost three in a row, the latest loss allowing the Yankees to tie them for the AL East lead. Boston has scored only six runs in those losses, and you really have to wonder what the Sox are going to do going into the trade deadline. Do you trade one of your starters? Is Smoltz going to get it going? If you trade for a bat where does he play?

All interesting questions that will be answered over the course of this month, but I have to say that the Sox are going to need to do something, because this team does lack a spark on offense...

Sox Still Looking For A Catcher?

Rumor has it the Sox are still kicking around the idea of signing a young catcher. Sox most serious discussions for a catcher have taken place with the Texas Rangers (for Jarrod Saltalamacchia) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (for Miguel Montero). The asking price for both was too high for the Sox liking, which is why they ultimately resigned Tek, but now that the dust has settled the Sox have bought themselves time to find the eventual replacement for the captain. Texas has an absolute log jam at the catcher position. It is really crazy to think about, but Texas actually has 4 very good catchers. So at some point they are going to need to move at least a couple of them. That could put the Sox in a good position to lower the asking price, and get their hands on some young talent for a position that is one of the only weak spots throughout the Sox franchise.

Red Sox Scout Saltalamacchia

According to Boston Globe reporter Nick Cafardo, Red Sox special assistant Allard Baird recently scouted Salty. Cafardo added that Saltalamacchia's defense didn't look solid on that particular night, though. Cafardo also notes that other scouts who have seen the catcher in winter ball thought his defensive skills were up to par.

Hopefully this means the Sox are seriously considering the young catcher. I do worry about his defense, but there are plenty of defensive catchers the Sox can sign as insurance (i.e. Varitek, I-Rod, ect). I just have a real good feeling about this kid, that he can be one of the best offensive catchers in the MLB at some point in the 2-3 years.

-BMack

MLB Rumors

"After three straight days of face-to-face meetings between GM Brian Cashman, CC Sabathia has decided to accept the six-year, $140 million offer from the New York Yankees, the New York Post reported. "
Well this is a little surprising to me if it is true. I really thought that CC would go to the west coast where he lives. If he goes to the Yankees, it looks like that snake Boras won again.

and on the Red Sox catching problem..
"The Red Sox, preparing for the possibility that free agent catcher Jason Varitek will not re-sign with the team for next year, talked with the Rangers about either one of their two young tradeable catchers, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden, the Boston Herald reported."
For some reason I really want Saltalamacchia. I'm not sure why, but he has a cool name. I would be happy going into this season with Salty if we get him.