It's obvious the Sox need to upgrade at C. Davis and Burke are both fine backups. But not everyday C's. So where do the sox go to upgrade?

 

Only Zaun seems like an upgrade of the FA's left. Even he seems like a Davis clone. The trade route seems like a possible spot. Yet teams would only trade backups at this point, not guys with big upsides. [Maybe I'm missing someone, so if I have give me some names]

 

Yet getting a young guy ready for the bigs would seem like a decent plan to get more from the C's spot. Two guys come to mind, possibly a third [though Bos.'s prospects always get overhyped, maybe Kelly Shoppach] NYY's-Dioner Navarro and ATL's-Brayan Pena. Both are switch hitting, young guys with solid defensive and offensive skills.

 

We all know about Navarro, who will turn 21 in early 2005. He did play in AAA this yr, so he could be ready soon. Pena will be 23, and played in AA [the Sox would have a good sense of him, as ATL's AA plays in the southern league]. Pena hit .314/.349/.401 in 04. From his 2004 BA scouting report, he sounds like an Ozzie Guillen clone. He also only has k'd 128 times in 1088 ab's.

 

As long as the Sox got a solid defender, with more offense than Big Ben can provide, the sox could do well going this route. I'm sure there are other names out there. Thoughts?

The Sox knew before the 2004 draft that they were short on catchers in the minor leagues. Right now, it looks a lot better though with Francisco Hernandez and Donny Lucy both fairly good prospects. The problem is, they both are least 3 years away probably with Lucy and Hernandez only hitting in rookie ball down in Great Falls and Bristol. Long - term I think Hernandez could turn out to be a Victor Martinez clone, depending on whether he can continue hitting for a high average as he goes higher through the minor league system.

 

Personally I think the Sox could try to use stopgaps for a few seasons before these guys are ready. Jamie Burke can definitely hit at the major leagues, and should be an excellent backup / rotation guy to have off the bench. Ben Davis is the wildcard. It'll be interesting to see what type of year he has stats wise hitting at the Cell, that will make or break his future with this ballclub. We all know KW loves him, and he has a pretty damn good arm. However out of the 4 catchers we had in 2004, Davis had the highest ERA of over 5, which will be a problem if that doesn't improve in 05. Quite ironically, I think Olivo had the best ERA catching and of course there were reports of him not being a good game caller.

 

Looking at the free agent and trade market, I don't think it's likely we'll be getting anyone at the moment. But I think there will definitely be some options come the 2005 off-season. If Oakland's catcher prospect they acquired (Daric Barton?) moves real quick through the system, it could make Kendall expendable, although it'll be more likely he'll be moved in 2006. Bengie Molina is another guy who could be forced out like David Eckstein was, if Anaheim decides to go for an upgrade at the position. There should be some options out there, but at the moment, I can't see the Sox really making much of a move at the position.

Any help from inside the organizatin?

 

Ryan Hankins, .296 BA .366 OBP .468 SLG at Charlotte? I know he is a 6 year FA but haven't seen him signed anywhere.

 

He also plays the IF corners. I've never seen him in the flesh, but his resume looks like a nice 25th man for Oz to play with in the late innings. With both Burke and him capable of backing up 3B, the middle IF slot could be filled with a SS-2B specialist.

 

Can anyone tell us about him, is he a realistic option?

 

Other MLs:

Charlotte: Jonathan Aceves .285 .363 .490 (a lot of Ks, also a 6 year FA)

Birmingham: Carlos Maldonado .265 .353 .441 (6 year FA)

Birmingham: Chris Stewart .231 .299 .300

 

All these guys are RH.

I'm pretty sure Hankins was let go as a minor league free agent, although Rex can probably clarify on his situation a little better. We did have Mike Rivera down at Charlotte as well, not sure what the status on him is. Hankins would pretty much just be another back - up though, pretty much a Jamie Burke clone who hits for a little less average.

I'm pretty sure Hankins was let go as a minor league free agent, although Rex can probably clarify on his situation a little better. We did have Mike Rivera down at Charlotte as well, not sure what the status on him is. Hankins would pretty much just be another back - up though, pretty much a Jamie Burke clone who hits for a little less average.

Hankins is a free agent. The ball is in hs court now and he can sign with whichever team he chooses. All minor league players earn free agency after six full seasons if they are not on the MLB 40-man roster.

 

Rivera was either traded or released duing the 2004 season.

 

Chris Stewart is the only catcher at the higher levels with the Sox that has a chance. His bat is weak, but he is an excellent catch and throw receiver. My guess is he is backup material if he gets there.

Hankins is a free agent.  The ball is in hs court now and he can sign with whichever team he chooses.  All minor league players earn free agency after six full seasons if they are not on the MLB 40-man roster.

 

Rivera was either traded or released duing the 2004 season.

 

Chris Stewart is the only catcher at the higher levels with the Sox that has a chance.  His bat is weak, but he is an excellent catch and throw receiver.  My guess is he is backup material if he gets there.

Maldanado is gone too, he signed with Pittsburgh.

 

Jon Acevas is a guy they keep inviting to spring training as a non-roster. He appears to be an organizational depth guy, nothing more.

 

I like Burke as I've said several times, but I'm not convinced he's proven he can hit major league pitching, seeing as he only had 125 AB's last year at age 33. I'll root for him but wouldn't be surprised if he hits more in line with his minor league statistical profile.

 

Totally agree with Rex on Chris Stewart, from limited viewing in Tucson. Appears to be very good defensively but his swing is longer than Borchard's.

 

I'd like to see the Sox hold onto Hankins but would wish him well if he gets an opportunity to play at the major league level, seeing as he's 28. Hankins can hit.

Hankins is a free agent.  The ball is in hs court now and he can sign with whichever team he chooses.  All minor league players earn free agency after six full seasons if they are not on the MLB 40-man roster.

 

Rivera was either traded or released duing the 2004 season.

 

Chris Stewart is the only catcher at the higher levels with the Sox that has a chance.  His bat is weak, but he is an excellent catch and throw receiver.  My guess is he is backup material if he gets there.

Rivera was Waived and he signed with Oakland during last season. I don't think Hankins can be an Everyday Major League Catcher. I guees were stuck with Burke and Davis

I'm still highly skeptical of both Hernandez and Lucy. Lucy should have hit much better at Great Falls and a BA straddling the Mendoza line is a huge disappointment. Hernandez hit well in the Apyy League, a notorious hitter's league, but did not draw enough walks. As he moves up the ladder, and assuming he doesn't improve with plate discipline, his average will slowly plummet. It's far too early to compare Hernandez to a far superior Victor Martinez after only one year,

I'm still highly skeptical of both Hernandez and Lucy. Lucy should have hit much better at Great Falls and a BA straddling the Mendoza line is a huge disappointment. Hernandez hit well in the Apyy League, a notorious hitter's league, but did not draw enough walks. As he moves up the ladder, and assuming he doesn't improve with plate discipline, his average will slowly plummet. It's far too early to compare Hernandez to a far superior Victor Martinez after only one year,

I agree in that it is way too early to really evaluate either of those two. I'm really surprised Hernandez has gotten as much love as he has to this point.

I think we are putting too much emphasis on a catcher and not enough emphasis on the middle infielder that we seek.

 

I really like Burke, I don't care what you say, but I think he's a stud when he's on...and I really can't see breaking with 3 catchers, so I'd think a flip flop of Burke and Davis would be pretty decent.

 

Where do we usually stick our catchers in the lineup anyway? No. 9. And usually I'd say we expect .260 out of them. And thats good, I think...

 

But until Harris proves he can play with the big guys in the MLB, I doubt we can say he's our every day go to guy...

When it comes to catcher, basically, we're screwed.

When it comes to catcher, basically, we're screwed.

I wouldn't say that, I like Burke A LOT...

I wouldn't say that, I like Burke A LOT...

So -- because you like him, there's no need to upgrade at that spot?

 

There's a reason Burke only has 133 major league at bats in his career. Like Jim's been saying, Burke is damn good in his role -- a 25th man on the roster, who can catch Buehrle every fifth day.

So -- because you like him, there's no need to upgrade at that spot? 

 

There's a reason Burke only has 133 major league at bats in his career.  Like Jim's been saying, Burke is damn good in his role -- a 25th man on the roster, who can catch Buehrle every fifth day.

because he hasnt been givin a chance to play more??? he has done extremly well in his limited role, if we dont pick up a starter like i want to burke needs to be the starter over ben davis.

So -- because you like him, there's no need to upgrade at that spot? 

 

There's a reason Burke only has 133 major league at bats in his career.  Like Jim's been saying, Burke is damn good in his role -- a 25th man on the roster, who can catch Buehrle every fifth day.

There is a need, but its not the biggest thing they need.

 

They need a middle infielder before a catcher.

I think we are putting too much emphasis on a catcher and not enough emphasis on the middle infielder that we seek.

 

I really like Burke, I don't care what you say, but I think he's a stud when he's on...and I really can't see breaking with 3 catchers, so I'd think a flip flop of Burke and Davis would be pretty decent.

 

Where do we usually stick our catchers in the lineup anyway? No. 9. And usually I'd say we expect .260 out of them. And thats good, I think...

 

But until Harris proves he can play with the big guys in the MLB, I doubt we can say he's our every day go to guy...

I think they're gonna need three if only because of the two you have will need to be pinch for in tight games.

I think we are putting too much emphasis on a catcher and not enough emphasis on the middle infielder that we seek.

 

I really like Burke, I don't care what you say, but I think he's a stud when he's on...and I really can't see breaking with 3 catchers, so I'd think a flip flop of Burke and Davis would be pretty decent.

I totally agree with you. Burke proved he is a decent catcher and a capable major league hitter. We need a 2B much more. Harris just doesnt cut it.

I totally agree with you.  Burke proved he is a decent catcher and a capable major league hitter.  We need a 2B much more.  Harris just doesnt cut it.

I like Jamie but Willie has proven more then he has..........

I like Jamie but Willie has proven more then he has..........

Agreed, i would not mind willie whatsoever if he was consistent. But his stretch of 0-13 for three games then 9-12 the next three games is just brutal.

Agreed, i would not mind willie whatsoever if he was consistent. But his stretch of 0-13 for three games then 9-12 the next three games are just brutal.

Definitely, the thing that really bothers me about willie though is he can't bunt and he doesn't know hot to utilize his speed.

Definitely, the thing that really bothers me about willie though is he can't bunt and he doesn't know hot to utilize his speed.

Which dramatically decreases his value since he cannot do those things correctly yet. But i hoinestly don't mind him if he is are number nine hitter nest year.

Which dramatically decreases his value since he cannot do those things correctly yet. But i hoinestly don't mind him if he is are number nine hitter nest year.

Agreed, I've been saying that for a while. I have no problem with willie batting 9th but I'd still love to pick up someone to bat 2nd so we can move aaron down in the order.

The problem is, the Sox probably would have filled their need at catcher instead of an infielder, if there was more out there on the FA market, but there isn't. Obviously KW has shied away from Pierzynski because of the potential problems of him being a clubhouse cancer, and besides him, there is really nothing out there starting wise, unless you can pull a trade.

 

At least with infielders, there's still Alex Cora and Miguel Cairo still on the market. Mike Lieberthal is another guy I just thought of to possibly acquire, as Philly has budget problems, and we could probably get him quite cheaply, is making $7.5 million in 2005 I think though.

The problem is, the Sox probably would have filled their need at catcher instead of an infielder, if there was more out there on the FA market, but there isn't. Obviously KW has shied away from Pierzynski because of the potential problems of him being a clubhouse cancer, and besides him, there is really nothing out there starting wise, unless you can pull a trade.

 

At least with infielders, there's still Alex Cora and Miguel Cairo still on the market. Mike Lieberthal is another guy I just thought of to possibly acquire, as Philly has budget problems, and we could probably get him quite cheaply, is making $7.5 million in 2005 I think though.

No reason the sox are not going after zaun. He is far from great but he is an upgrade over davis. What i like about zaun is he is a switch hitter that knows how to take a walk.

No reason the sox are not going after zaun. He is far from great but he is an upgrade over davis. What i like about zaun is he is a switch hitter that knows how to take a walk.

Yeah he's probably the only catcher on the market still possibly worth considering, and he did have a nice OBP of .367 in 2004 for the Blue Jays. He did really struggle in 2002 and 2003 though, so his 2004 stats wise could just be an anomaly.