MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays All-Star Catcher John Buck to Red Sox?
Busy as Blue Jays Catcher John Buck was collecting his first hit as an All-Star, he still found time to discuss his former teammate, David DeJesus, with WEEI's Alex Speier yesterday in Anaheim. Put bluntly, Buck thinks DeJesus would perform tremendously with the Red Sox or another playoff contender.
Little does Buck realize that he may be playing in Beantown just as quickly as Kansas City's much-discussed outfielder. Perhaps they'll reunite at Fenway.
According to MLB Trade Rumors' founder Tim Dierkes, Buck could quickly follow SS Alex Gonzalez out of Toronto. Dierkes suggests that the first-time All Star and soon-to-be free agent catcher might land in Boston.
With both Victor Martinez and Jason Varitek on the disabled list, Boston probably couldn't find a better option than Buck before the trade deadline, and Toronto probably couldn't find a more desperate buyer.
Even beyond this 2010 playoff run, the Red Sox would probably have significant interest in Buck, who has thrown out roughly 25 percent of would-be base stealers both this season and throughout his career. Varitek and Martinez have combined to throw out only 19 percent this season.
That six percent may not seem like much, but it could be critical down the stretch in at least hindering a running game, and realistically, the Red Sox don't have many other options. They need a Major League catcher now if they're to remain in the race for the hotly contested American League East division title.
Through the All-Star break, Buck is hitting a career-best .272/.502/.306 with 13 homers.
If you'd like to know as soon as Peter's Red Sox articles have posted, you can follow him on Twitter at BoSoxUpdate.
