(In Photo: Brian McCann)
What’s to make of the catchers the
Yankees currently have on our roster? There's Chris Stewart, Francisco Cervelli,
Austin Romine. If you want to throw JR Murphy's name into that mix, go ahead…there are big things ahead for this kid! But it's likely in 2014 Murphy will be
starting his season in Scranton. However,
I wouldn't doubt the kid will get an invite to Tampa in the spring.
(In Photo: Chris Stewart)
My question is, are those 4 enough? Do they really qualify as true front runners
to win the starting job at catcher this season? I do think they deserve to audition for it, but
with Cervelli getting injured and later getting suspended, the question
remains; Will he be ready? Not only does Cervelli have to prove his worth
again, but he has to win the fans back. After openly admitting to his
involvement with the Biogenesis clinic, he’s got a lot to prove.
Chris Stewart carried the work load
most of the year, but his offense was rough. Look, Stewie is just a better back-up than he
is a starter . That’s a fact. His everyday use may have really slowed him down.
In 109 games in 2013, Stewart struck out 49 times. He hit .211 with 4 HRs. Yes, the numbers could
have been worse, but they could also be more productive. If Stewart is to get
another call due to injury, he needs to be better prepared for the call. Especially with the offensive being so shaky
this season. We need to be productive
all over that lineup, and that is something I hope he works on in the off-season.
Austin Romine is still new to the
majors. He could use some more seasoning before being truly Bronx ready…and
that’s my opinion. Austin has always had
a high strikeout ratio. In 60 games in 2013, he struck out 39 times. He hit .207 with 1 HR. He definitely needs some retooling at the
plate. He is definitely talented
defensively though. Again, we are in
need of production. I can only expect Austin starting the 2014 season in the
minors as there will only be room for 2 catchers. In that time, he can work on
his batting and improvise on it to be better and ready should the call come.
How about Jarrod Saltalamacchia? Yes, I said it, and I will say it again.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia. He is having a good year in Boston and is a part of the
charge in the post-season. He hit .273 and had 14 HRs in the regular season. He shared catching duties with David Ross. The
Yankees could acquire a decent player and maybe on the cheap as well, who
knows? He is earning $4.5 million this
year. It may cost a little north of that
to reel him in, but it won't impact the bank necessarily. Another factor to make
my case is Jarrod is he is only 28 years old and I am for the youth
movement!
These are 2 guys I think would be
viable options if the Yankees are to go shopping for a catcher in the
off-season. But, we could also see them not look any further than what we have
already on the Yankees depth chart for catching. In time we will know how the Yankees front
office will address the need for a reliable catcher. I’m hoping we go big this
off-season, because there is no question that letting Russell Martin walk hurt
us in the backstop department.
Stay tuned…
-- Rudy Laurens, BYB Writer
Facebook: House of Champions
Twitter: @EPRIYankeefan
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