CERVELLI: LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

When the Yankees signed Francisco Cervelli in 2008, it was to a Major league contract. He was supposed to be Jorge Posada’s backup and it was assumed he would take over as everyday catcher when Posada could no longer hold the position. But a few things have happened since then and now, one has to wonder what is next for Cervelli, because it's clear to many Cervelli fans and Yankee fans alike, Cervelli's days on the Yankees appear to be numbered.

One thing is obviously clear, the Yankees do not trust Cervelli’s ability enough to give him that starting catcher position. In other words, he's not in the Yankees future plans. This was made even more obvious when he was sent down the day before the 2012 season began. It’s true, his defensive skills leave a lot to be desired, that is why in 2011, Russell Martin won out as starting everyday catcher. But many of us are still bothered by the way the Yankees handled the Cervelli situation.  He had a pretty decent Spring, the hunger and heart was there, but then without warning, Chris Stewart was traded to New York and started as Martin's backup.  Cervelli, shocked, went to the minors.  We had a detailed opinion on that in WHY'S CERVELLI'S THE ODD MAN OUT.

But what's next for the Yankees? Russell Martin goes into free agency this season and unless the asking price is right, chances are the Yankees won’t bring him back. Let’s face it, while Martin is excellent defensively, he is just an average hitting catcher. Truth be told, he pitching staff loves him, but we need a catcher that can at least hit .250.

I do believe that we have been spoiled by Jorge Posada, sometimes you just assume every catch has that same ability. It makes you appreciate Posada so much more.

True, the Yankees still have Chris Stewart. His hitting isn’t much better than Martin’s though and he is only slightly worst defensively, yet, a smart catcher. It is entirely possible that the Yankees attempt to trade Stewart for a righty hitter and bring Cervelli in as back-up catcher. But I'll tell you... I'm just not sure if Cervelli's in the Yankee future plans, but I hope he is.

Look for a piece on BYB soon on some catchers that could be available for a catching upgrade... the free agent market will be interesting...

--Erica Morales, BYB Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



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