The New York Yankees start the 2013 spring training schedule with a couple questions they have not had over the past several seasons. Their outfield is not as deep and they have age to deal with in their starting rotation. The Yankees also have to deal with the fact they lost their starting catcher, Russell Martin, to the Pirates in a "bidding war." Actually, I think my last statement was clearly an overstatement, as people made too much out of Martin's signing with Pittsburgh. The plan seems to be to stick with the catching core of Francisco Cervelli, Chris Stewart, Austin Romine and Bobby Wilson. None expect to contribute offensively, so it makes sense for the team to be considering options from outside the organization.
Lets face it, the Yankees are not going to bring in an All Star at this point. In addition, for the first time in years, cost is a concern. So as well as starters like Jarrod Saltalamacchia (why would the Yankees make a trade with the Red Sox anyway?), Joe Mauer and Jonathan Lucroy, the Yankees will probably not consider trading for a catcher in the $3 million (AAV) or above range. That would eliminate options like Kurt Suzuki and Ramon Hernandez and probably Geovanny Soto. I have five options, though, for the Yankees to consider with the criteria I just set. All, in my opinion, have the ability to put up respectable starter-like numbers. However, all will have to be used in a platoon role with either Cervelli or Romine (if he is ready).
5. Gerald Laird, Braves (2 yrs $3 million): Laird is a very unlikely option, but the Braves could be pursuaded to move Laird before the season. Laird had a good 2012 season backing up Alex Avila in Detroit hitting .282. He is also known as a very good defensive catcher, something the Yankees, or Braves for that matter, could take solace in the fact that that area would be taken care of. Once again, I don't think this is a likely move, but I do think it should be mentioned.
4. John Baker, Padres (arb 2, $930 K): Baker had a solid 2009 season with Florida (.271, 9, 50) and proved a solid backup to Nick Hundley and Yasmani Grandal with the Padres last season. He bats lefty also, which would make a platoon with Cervelli or Romine make more sense.
3. George Kottaras, Royals (arb 2, $1 million): Kottaras has some power (9 HRS in 2010 and 2012 in limited action) and also bats from the left side. He has moved around quite a bit over the past couple seasons, and is expendable backing up Salvador Perez.
2. Jeff Mathis, Marlins (2 yrs, $3 million): Mathis was acquired in the mega trade with the Blue Jays and has been a dependable backstop over the past couple seasons with the Angels and Jays. Mathis is expected to be the Marlins opening day catcher and will start until Rob Brantly is ready to take over. The way the Marlins operate, I am sure they would be happy to move Mathis.
1. Michael McKenry, Pirates (pre-arb): This would make the Yankees look very good. Martin signs with Pittsburgh and the Yankees acquire what would be his backup who is just 27 years old. McKenry hit 12 HRs last season, something the other Yankees catchers may find difficult to total as a whole.
Lets face it, the Yankees are not going to bring in an All Star at this point. In addition, for the first time in years, cost is a concern. So as well as starters like Jarrod Saltalamacchia (why would the Yankees make a trade with the Red Sox anyway?), Joe Mauer and Jonathan Lucroy, the Yankees will probably not consider trading for a catcher in the $3 million (AAV) or above range. That would eliminate options like Kurt Suzuki and Ramon Hernandez and probably Geovanny Soto. I have five options, though, for the Yankees to consider with the criteria I just set. All, in my opinion, have the ability to put up respectable starter-like numbers. However, all will have to be used in a platoon role with either Cervelli or Romine (if he is ready).
5. Gerald Laird, Braves (2 yrs $3 million): Laird is a very unlikely option, but the Braves could be pursuaded to move Laird before the season. Laird had a good 2012 season backing up Alex Avila in Detroit hitting .282. He is also known as a very good defensive catcher, something the Yankees, or Braves for that matter, could take solace in the fact that that area would be taken care of. Once again, I don't think this is a likely move, but I do think it should be mentioned.
4. John Baker, Padres (arb 2, $930 K): Baker had a solid 2009 season with Florida (.271, 9, 50) and proved a solid backup to Nick Hundley and Yasmani Grandal with the Padres last season. He bats lefty also, which would make a platoon with Cervelli or Romine make more sense.
3. George Kottaras, Royals (arb 2, $1 million): Kottaras has some power (9 HRS in 2010 and 2012 in limited action) and also bats from the left side. He has moved around quite a bit over the past couple seasons, and is expendable backing up Salvador Perez.
2. Jeff Mathis, Marlins (2 yrs, $3 million): Mathis was acquired in the mega trade with the Blue Jays and has been a dependable backstop over the past couple seasons with the Angels and Jays. Mathis is expected to be the Marlins opening day catcher and will start until Rob Brantly is ready to take over. The way the Marlins operate, I am sure they would be happy to move Mathis.
1. Michael McKenry, Pirates (pre-arb): This would make the Yankees look very good. Martin signs with Pittsburgh and the Yankees acquire what would be his backup who is just 27 years old. McKenry hit 12 HRs last season, something the other Yankees catchers may find difficult to total as a whole.
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