Offseason Preview Part II: Catchers

Well folks, let’s look at the other side of the battery. In today’s game, homegrown talent rules all. Examples of this are Russell Martin, Joe Maur, Yadier Molina, and Victor Martinez; however, there are still some good quality veterans out there.

Here they are.

Ivan Rodriguez

Pudge, as he’s better known, is one of the best catchers in recent memory. He can throw, he calls a great game, he’s a great receiver, and he’s a quality bat.

Sure, he’s older now, but he’s still on top of his game. Give him a two year deal with a young catcher on the team, and you could be doing yourself a favor for years to come.

Greg Zaun

Zaun is a good game caller, a switch hitter, and a good battery mate. He won’t hit you 20 home runs and drive in 100 runs, but he could help solve a shaky staff with his abilities. His days as an everyday catcher are probably numbered, but being a backup may serve well.

Jason LaRue

Yes, LaRue makes the list. He has turned himself into a quality backup catcher. Sure, he couldn’t hit a lick at the start of the year, but he tore it up when he had a chance to play more often and has been hitting well since.

He could be the most coveted catcher on the market with his abilities and for the pure fact he doesn’t mind being a backup.

Jason Varitek

Well, consider this an Eastern Seaboard Promotional Network (better known as ESPN) article. I have included a New York Yankee AND a Boston Red Sox. Varitek can still call a decent game, is a switch hitter, and can still unload on a pitch.

He’s probably better suited for an American League team so he can catch and play as the Designated Hitter. He could be a very good mentor to a young catcher.

And there you have it. This is how weak the free agent market is for catchers. There are really only four good ones. An honorable mention, though, is Henry Blanco. He’s the definition of defense and backup.

Look for tomorrow’s article on corner infielders.

As always, you can take a look at the potential 2009 free agents here.

Links to other parts:
Part I
Part III
Part IV
Part V