The Catcher and SS positions

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Can't wait to see how he does. I hope it isn't too early.

[jacksonianmarch]

Doesnt seem like a good idea. You have Lowrie to start full time and whomever comes up is coming up as a backup. If you are grooming this kid as a future starter, then the only way his bat plays up is if he gets reps on a daily basis. Unless the plan is to show him the bigs for 2 weeks while Scutaro is out, then this doesnt make sense. Let the kid hit in AAA and move on from there

[Station 13]

Doesnt seem like a good idea. You have Lowrie to start full time and whomever comes up is coming up as a backup. If you are grooming this kid as a future starter' date=' then the only way his bat plays up is if he gets reps on a daily basis. Unless the plan is to show him the bigs for 2 weeks while Scutaro is out, then this doesnt make sense. Let the kid hit in AAA and move on from there[/quote']

 

Navarro other SS is injured.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Yeah as of now they basically have no choice.

 

This would be the perfect time to have one of those bench players that can play outfield and just about all the infield positions.

[SCM33]

Can't wait to see how he does. I hope it isn't too early.

 

I would love to see Iglesias do well, but I am afraid it is wayyyyyyy to early for him. Lowrie should see most of the time with Iglesias filling in. He just hasnt produced enough offensively to merit the promotion, even if he is Ozzie with the glove. The lineup is already weak enough at this point.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

I'm sure he'd just be a backup to Lowrie, not starting. I figure they're only doing it because he's the only in-organization option they have left since Navarro is hurt too, but I don't know their Pawtucket roster well. But I agree it's way too early for him especially hitting wise. No extra base hits all season. That's bad

[BSN07]

Expect great defense from Iglesias and anything with the bat is a bonus. It may be a bit too early. But they really don't have many options right now.

[boston22407]

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Red Sox have made contact with free agent Bengie Molina but are not ready to move on him yet.

It's anyone's guess as to what kind of shape Molina is in these days, but he could be appealing with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek combining to hit .179/.246/.241 in 123 plate appearances this season. Ivan Rodriguez has also been a name floated as a possibility for the Sox, but Rosenthal says Boston is "cool" on him. Regardless of who the target ends up being, it's become pretty clear that the Sox will seek to upgrade behind the plate before the trade deadline.

[La Munson]

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Red Sox have made contact with free agent Bengie Molina but are not ready to move on him yet.

It's anyone's guess as to what kind of shape Molina is in these days, but he could be appealing with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek combining to hit .179/.246/.241 in 123 plate appearances this season. Ivan Rodriguez has also been a name floated as a possibility for the Sox, but Rosenthal says Boston is "cool" on him. Regardless of who the target ends up being, it's become pretty clear that the Sox will seek to upgrade behind the plate before the trade deadline.

 

That makes me wonder what's going to happen to Salty, send him to Pawtucket?

[SCM33]

That makes me wonder what's going to happen to Salty' date=' send him to Pawtucket?[/quote']

 

I think they'd cut him at his point.

 

He sucks and will only block the catching prospects we have in the lower levels.

 

I was against them handing him the job during the offseason, and even I didnt think he would be this bad.

 

Its a sad story, he seems like a really great guy and he once had all the talent in the world to become a good offensive player whose career was sidetracked with injuries and mental roadblocks that have made him one of the worst defensive catchers in the game.

[a700hitter]

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Red Sox have made contact with free agent Bengie Molina but are not ready to move on him yet.

It's anyone's guess as to what kind of shape Molina is in these days, but he could be appealing with Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek combining to hit .179/.246/.241 in 123 plate appearances this season. Ivan Rodriguez has also been a name floated as a possibility for the Sox, but Rosenthal says Boston is "cool" on him. Regardless of who the target ends up being, it's become pretty clear that the Sox will seek to upgrade behind the plate before the trade deadline.

He doesn't strike me as a workout fanatic.

[Dojji]

And Molina's going to solve our problems?

 

Pff. Please. The man was a very good defensive catcher in his prime -- you know, 5 years ago -- but gimme a break, we're going to be any more patient with this guy than we were with Salty? Seriously?

 

You keep Salty until you have an actual young replacement. We don't. There's a reason this guy ain't working, and it isn't because the league has too many solid two way catchers. At least with Salty, he could break out. Molina is just Molina.

 

He sucks and will only block the catching prospects we have in the lower levels.

 

Which kid is Saltalamacchia blocking right now? Expo and his sub .550 OPS in AAA? Our future DH Ryan Lavarnway? Adalberto "24 years old and as raw as unprepared sushi" Ibarra?

 

There is no one within 18 months of being more than a big league backup right now. That's why Tek is still here.

[Palodios]

Which kid is Saltalamacchia blocking right now? Expo and his sub .550 OPS in AAA? Our future DH Ryan Lavarnway? Adalberto "24 years old and as raw as unprepared sushi" Ibarra?

 

Giving Salty time in AAA will hurt Exposito, and prevent Lavarnway or Federowicz from moving up.

[SCM33]

And Molina's going to solve our problems?

 

Pff. Please. The man was a very good defensive catcher in his prime -- you know, 5 years ago -- but gimme a break, we're going to be any more patient with this guy than we were with Salty? Seriously?

 

You keep Salty until you have an actual young replacement. We don't. There's a reason this guy ain't working, and it isn't because the league has too many solid two way catchers. At least with Salty, he could break out. Molina is just Molina.

 

 

 

Which kid is Saltalamacchia blocking right now? Expo and his sub .550 OPS in AAA? Our future DH Ryan Lavarnway? Adalberto "24 years old and as raw as unprepared sushi" Ibarra?

 

There is no one within 18 months of being more than a big league backup right now. That's why Tek is still here.

 

Dojii.....really?

 

This coming from a guy who claims that EVERY sox prospect/draftee/minor league free agent will become a future hall of famer?

 

BTW, Molina just being Molina is 100 times better than Salty being Salty.

 

Who is Salty blocking in the minors? Every catcher in the system, thats who. Saltalamacchia is absolutely useless. He blocks every other guy in the organization from getting their chance if they send him down to AAA as a project (yet again).

 

The ONLY thing Salty doesnt block......are pitches in the dirt.

[Dojji]

If you put Salty in the minors, you release McKenry.

 

But you don't put Salty in the minors because that would be really freaking stupid. There are no alternatives right now that are any better than he is. We've been spoiled for more than a decade and a half at the catcher position, first with Hatteberg, then with Tek. Time to experience what the rest of the league has to deal with every year when it comes to the catcher's position, and just suck it up if you don't like it. There are no more easy answers for us than there are for the 18 other teams desperate for a real two-way catcher.

[snydersminipretzels]

Maybe David Ross? He's got some pop, and probably wouldn't cost a lot.

[snydersminipretzels]

Your posts make my brain hurt.

 

English isn't his first language. Give the guy a break.

 

Braun could have been had, but probably for 4 blue chip prospects, and definitely before they got Marcum and Grienke.

[Palodios]

English isn't his first language. Give the guy a break.

 

Did you even look at what I quoted? I have no problem with people who are not native speakers, and that was not what I was referring to. However I'm starting to question whether he's actually a serious poster.

[snydersminipretzels]

Did you even look at what I quoted? I have no problem with people who are not native speakers' date=' and that was not what I was referring to. However I'm starting to question whether he's actually a serious poster.[/quote']

 

I don't see why the insult was warranted. He was merely stating his point of view, and then admitted his mistake. It's not like he was saying the Red Sox should trade Varitek for Mauer.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Let it go. It's over already.

[Palodios]

I don't see why the insult was warranted. He was merely stating his point of view' date=' and then admitted his mistake. It's not like he was saying the Red Sox should trade Varitek for Mauer.[/quote']

 

First he was talking about Braun's 5 year contract, and then he was talking about how he didn't know about the 5 year contract. Is it unreasonable to call someone out who is lying?

[snydersminipretzels]

Did anyone see that Max Ramirez was waived by the Cubs? Is he worth a flier?

[SCM33]

Did anyone see that Max Ramirez was waived by the Cubs? Is he worth a flier?

 

Not as a catcher. We already have a guy who cant catch.

 

When the Sox thought they acquired him for Mike Lowell last year, he was supposed to convert to 1B and play a little DH, while serving as an EMERGENCY catcher. He comes with a poor defensive reputation.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Not as a catcher. We already have a guy who cant catch.

 

When the Sox thought they acquired him for Mike Lowell last year, he was supposed to convert to 1B and play a little DH, while serving as an EMERGENCY catcher. He comes with a poor defensive reputation.

 

I understand that you don't like Salty, but who would you rather see behind the dish?

[SCM33]

I understand that you don't like Salty' date=' but who would you rather see behind the dish?[/quote']

 

A GUY WHO CAN CATCH.

 

Max Ramirez is not a catcher. Why is everyone around here in love with former prospects who are in their mid 20's now and that CANNOT catch?

 

Max Ramirez has a tremendous amount of offensive talent, but here is a reason he has only played 45 games in the big leagues over the past 4 years......he is a 26 year old DH and his offensive talent has regressed in AAA (also injured part of last season).

 

Keep in mind also, Ramirez was the #3 catcher in Texas's system last season. Guess who he was behind.....oh boy get ready for it.......Jarrod Saltalamacchia!!!! and Taylor Teagarden.

[SoxFanForsyth]

A GUY WHO CAN CATCH.

 

Max Ramirez is not a catcher. Why is everyone around here in love with former prospects who are in their mid 20's now and that CANNOT catch?

 

Max Ramirez has a tremendous amount of offensive talent, but here is a reason he has only played 45 games in the big leagues over the past 4 years......he is a 26 year old DH and his offensive talent has regressed in AAA (also injured part of last season).

 

Keep in mind also, Ramirez was the #3 catcher in Texas's system last season. Guess who he was behind.....oh boy get ready for it.......Jarrod Saltalamacchia!!!! and Taylor Teagarden.

 

I'm not advocating that we sign Max Ramirez. I'm asking you who is a better option than Salty right now? You complain about him enough, there must be a better option out there.

[SCM33]

I'm not advocating that we sign Max Ramirez. I'm asking you who is a better option than Salty right now? You complain about him enough' date=' there must be a better option out there.[/quote']

 

The same guy Ive said over and over. Molina.

 

If they are o.k. with Salty and Varitek producing almost nothing with the bat, then bring Federowicz up and let him work with Varitek. The kid is already regarded as above average defensively. Let Varitek teach him about calling a game and allow him to learn on the job offensively.

[Dojji]

LOL Molina. Maybe 5 years ago, but people age. Molina certainly has. He's old and out of shape and if he was anywhere near what he used to be he'd be starting for someone. Forget him.

 

As for jumping 2 levels with Federowicz, that's nearly as bad, only in this case you're actually ruining a prospect instead of just wasting your time with a past-it veteran.

 

We have exactly one alternative to Salty, and that's Expo.

[SCM33]

LOL Molina. Maybe 5 years ago, but people age. Molina certainly has. He's old and out of shape and if he was anywhere near what he used to be he'd be starting for someone. Forget him.

 

As for jumping 2 levels with Federowicz, that's nearly as bad, only in this case you're actually ruining a prospect instead of just wasting your time with a past-it veteran.

 

We have exactly one alternative to Salty, and that's Expo.

 

Molina is a better option than Salty....old, fat.....dead, dont matter. Any living breathing catcher is a better option.

 

Pushing Federowicz isn't the best idea, I'll give you that. A worse idea is sticking with what we currently have.

 

So far, thats still two alternatives better than our current one.

 

Exposito makes 3 options that are currently better than the one we have.

[a700hitter]

What could Ianetta cost?