Ok, I'm a little bored today, but a few comments on the Sox website and by Bill Melton had me thinking about the White Sox catching situation.

 

Ozzie likes to carry three guys who can catch ... not necessarily three catchers, but three guys who have the ability to catch.

 

More and more it seems like Sandy Alomar is at the end of the line, although he says he'll play if someone wants him. I know the White Sox value him and want to keep him in the organization ... to me, it'd be great if they could find a coaching spot for him.

 

Ben Davis and Jamie Burke appear to be the 1-2 catchers. Not the best in the league, but not bad either. Like Bill Melton said last night, there aren't many Ivan Rodriguez types out there available for the taking. Melton thought the Sox would go with the same three guys next year, but I wonder if Guillen and KW are thinking something else.

 

To me, the 3rd catcher should give your roster more flexibility than a guy like Sandy does. It'd be great if they could bring in a guy who could play multiple positions, and maybe have some ability with the bat. The Sox have such a guy at AAA in Ryan Hankins, whom they also must value highly since he's been with the organization since '96. Hankins was primarily a 3rd baseman coming up, although he can also play 1B and has (very limited) experience at 2B as well. I don't know if he can play any outfield or not.

 

But Hankins can hit, and he has a good eye at the plate - he walked almost as much as he struck out this year. It'll be interesting to see if they add him to the roster over the winter. If they do, he may very well be the 25th man.

 

I seriously doubt they'll go out and acquire another catcher, the pitching staff seems to like both Davis and Burke, and they do a decent job.

 

Thoughts?

Well I think that your also forgetting that Jamie Burke plays multiple positions himself.

He can play RF, 3B, 1B and those are just the positions he has played this year.

However I don't want Sandy as a backup catcher next season. He's too old and in my opinion Jamie does a much better job at handling the rookie pitchers.

I like Sandy and awful lot, but it's time for him to move on into coaching, something he'll be even better at.

I agree with getting rid of sandy, he never impressed me anyway with his ability to call games. I think Jamie calls a good game, and works well with buehle especially. Plus you cant argue with someone at the bottom of the order getting base hits. I think Jamie and Ben should do just fine

Well I think that your also forgetting that Jamie Burke plays multiple positions himself.

He can play RF, 3B, 1B and those are just the positions he has played this year.

However I don't want Sandy as a backup catcher next season. He's too old and in my opinion Jamie does a much better job at handling the rookie pitchers.

Sigh.

 

It wasn't a question of preferring Burke over Alomar, not at all. The Sox like both Davis and Burke, and yes I know Burke plays other positions too.

 

The point was, Guillen likes to have a 3rd guy who can catch. The debate is, would that be Alomar, or another guy who gives them more roster flexibility, like Hankins or somebody else.

didnt tony g used to do some catching??

JimH I may be off here, but I really have my doubts that Davis and Burke will be your 1-2 next year. My guess is Burke is your flex guy again and that a more traditional catcher will be signed. Not necessarily a top name guy, but a vet who could serve as insurance should Davis not be good enough.

 

I am not sure Hankins is good enough defensively (based totally on hearsay), but I like Hank and hope he indeed gets a shot, but I am not sure it is going to happen with the CWS.

JimH I may be off here, but I really have my doubts that Davis and Burke will be your 1-2 next year.  My guess is Burke is your flex guy again and that a more traditional catcher will be signed.  Not necessarily a top name guy, but a vet who could serve as insurance should Davis not be good enough.

 

I am not sure Hankins is good enough defensively (based totally on hearsay), but I like Hank and hope he indeed gets a shot, but I am not sure it is going to happen with the CWS.

Good perspective Rex, thanks.

 

I'm always willing to upgrade!

Is Eli Marrero under contract with anyone next year? He is the perfect guy for what you are talking about. Plays corner outfield positions and I think played a little 1B and 3B, but I could be wrong. Just a thought...

Is Eli Marrero under contract with anyone next year?  He is the perfect guy for what you are talking about.  Plays corner outfield positions and I think played a little 1B and 3B, but I could be wrong.  Just a thought...

Yes, a guy with his profile is what I was thinking of.

 

To take it a step further, a guy who could give you quality time at 3B, particularly if they go in a different direction than Crede. Uribe is of course the main backup at 3B but he can't be the only guy who can play 3B.

Hmm. What about a guy like Matheny, if the Cards don't re-sign him? Not that great offensively, but a Gold Glover on defense.

I would try and find a way to keep Sandy in the organization... he's a real good baseball person. Maybe give him a manager's job in the minors if he's up for it.

Hmm.  What about a guy like Matheny, if the Cards don't re-sign him?  Not that great offensively, but a Gold Glover on defense.

He is gonna need to take a pay cut from the 4 million he is making this year to even think about it.