As previously stated, because catching is a position which uniquely requires shared playing time, adequate depth really includes a third option. If Grandal were to get injured, who would be Collin's tandem partner? Mercedes can certainly hit, but can he catch well enough to be a viable option? I don't consider Zavala a good enough offensive, or defensive catcher, to be a possibility. If Mercedes could catch well enough, the Sox could get by without McCann, in the event that Grandal were to lose significant playing time. Catching is such a critical defensive position, that the return for McCann would have to be someone with some real potential. Otherwise, I'd prefer the extra insurance that the current depth provides. It is likely that James will elect to sign elsewhere, next year, but by then the Sox may know more about their catching depth.