Posey Done For A Long Time

"Buster Posey sustained no knee damage in his collision with the Marlins' Scott Cousins, Giants head trainer Dave Groeschner told reporters, including Al Saracevic of the San Francisco Chronicle, meaning he may be able to return to the Giants this season. It was feared he was out for the season following Wednesday night's scary incident at home plate.

Posey is expected to be out six to eight weeks or longer after suffering a broken fibula and severely strained ligaments in his left ankle. The 2010 Rookie of the Year underwent three MRIs on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury (CBS Sports)."

There were a lot of worries that he destroyed his knee as well, but he was lucky and it's fine. If Posey does return it won't be until very late in the season, so the Giants have started to look around for a replacement catcher. One name that has already come up is Ivan Rodriguez, which seems like the perfect stop gap option.

As for this whole "we need to change the rules to protect catchers"... Shut the fuck up. There doesn't need to be a rule change every time a guy gets hurt.

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.

Pudge Signs With Nationals

"Veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Nationals, according to MLB.com. The Nationals want a veteran catcher as an insurance policy since Jesus Flores had surgery on his right shoulder and elbow. While Flores is expected to be ready for spring training, Rodriguez can serve as a backup and mentor (ESPN)."

I am really surprised by this. Pudge was rumored to be going to the Giants, and you would think he would have much rather gone there then play for a team that has 0 chance at the playoffs next year. Anyways, Pudge is still serviceable, but I wouldn't trust him being my everyday catcher.

Rangers Bring I-Rod Back

"Ivan Rodriguez is rejoining the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have agreed to trade two minor leaguers to the Houston Astros for Rodriguez, who was Texas' catcher the last time the franchise made the playoffs in 1999 (ESPN)."

I-Rod doesn't have much left in the tank, but the Rangers just need him to be the backup for Taylor Teagarden while Jarrod Saltalamacchia is on the DL. I-Rod is batting .251 with 8 HRS and 34 RBIs this season, but who knows you put him in this lineup and maybe he will take off a little bit. Anyways, solid pickup and they didn't give up much...

DP's Take:
Who would have thought pre-season that the Texas Rangers were going to need help at catcher. They started off the year with three great catching prospects in Salty, Teagarden, and Ramirez. Now with the uncertainty of Salty and Teagarden they turn to an old friend, Pudge. I am happy that Puudge is most likely going to retire with the Rangers because that is where I remember him the most. He is most likely going to retire a Ranger, and will go down in my eyes as the best catcher I have ever watches. Steroids or Not.

Pudge To Houston

Catcher Ivan Rodriguez has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Houston Astros.

This isn't really breaking news due to Pudge sucking over the past couple of years. The former all-star catcher is now bringing the show to Houston, where he will see his numbers improve quite a bit because, the National league sucks. Pudge has been one of my favorite catchers ever, but at this point he is nothing more than a name. Hang it up after this year Pudge.

Skanks Get Pudge

“New York has acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers on Wednesday for right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth the reliever played for the Tigers in 2005.” (ESPN)

This trade bamboozles me. Pudge was finally starting to heat up after a dreadful first half, and the Tigers send him to the Yankees for an average relief arm. Granted the Tigers bullpen is in disarray and they definitely need more depth in that department, but why trade Pudge to a team that Detroit may have to face in October? Rodrgiuez’s batting average is approaching .300 and has been on fire the month of July. I suppose with Pudge’s contract ending after this season, the Tigers figured it would be best to get something for him.

This trade puts New York right back into the playoff picture that they were never really out of, stay with me here. Even in late May and early June when the Yankees were 10 games out of first place, you knew that by August they would find themselves right where they needed to be. If nothing else, this trade should turn your focus to the Red Sox, who have made no moves and have stumbled out of the all-star break losing 6 of their last 10 games. The A.L. East race is heating up, and the Yankees have made sure we don’t count them out.

-Brian B