THE YANKEE CATCHER SCENARIO

(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. 

There's always the chance to explore in the free agency market to get a catcher too, in fact, I expect it.  One name you’ve heard is Brian McCann.   Brian is pretty much the prized catcher to get off that list.  He hit .256 with 20 HRs in 2013. I always say that power hitters playing in Yankees Stadium can really use the short wall dimensions to their advantage. McCann can probably hit more long balls there with his strong swing. That’s just my take though. You may disagree.  Rumors are swirling that the Yankees are "probably" going to give McCann a look and an offer.  If the Yanks want to get a catcher with a pretty good bat, this may be the guy. He only 29 and has proven to be a good ball player. 

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
 

The Bleeding Yankee Blue store is opened! CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING! Also, follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.