Back-up catcher, that is. Russell Martin vs. Jesus Montero is a good enough competition for starter.
As of now, Francisco Cervelli is the only competitor for back-up catcher. Cervelli seems like he can do a fine job in a small role - he had a .694 OPS over 266 at-bats last season. However, he was basically useless for half of the season - he put up a nice April and May, but hit in the high .100's-low .200's from June to August, followed by a great September. In conclusion, he's okay, but it couldn't hurt the Yankees to see if there are any alternatives that could be had for cheap.
If you look at the free agents, there is no one useful. Bengie Molina seems like he is going to retire, and would want some sort of guaranteed deal in order to come out of retirement. Josh Bard only put together a .634 OPS with the Mariners last year in 112 at-bats last year, hasn't been good since 2007, and is 32-years old.
So, any other options out there? Well, the Rangers just DFA'd catcher Max Ramirez today. Ramirez once a highly regarded prospect, is still only 26-years old. In 2008 with the Rangers' Double-A affiliate, in 243 at-bats, Ramirez hit .354 with 17 homers and a 1.096 OPS. He however has yet to reproduce these numbers in the bigs, hitting .217 with a .700 OPS in 115 at-bats. He may be worth claiming and bringing into Spring Training - the Yankees have two open 40-man roster spots and an easily expandable one in Reegie Corona.
Anyone else out there worth looking at?
2 comments:
I don't know. I tend to think that the Yankees are set there. Some combo of those 3 should suffice. And Posada can always come back in a pinch.
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