With the first big signing of the post season, the Yankees have added the best catcher on the free agent market, Brian McCann. This move was big for us, especially since 2013 was really a series of back-up catchers volleying for the starting position. Our only question now is, who plays back up?
Francisco Cervelli is eligible for arbitration in 2014. Brian Cashman said that they would extend an offer to the catcher. Cervelli had a fairly strong start in 2013. Unfortunately that came to an end when the catcher suffered a broken hand. He also experienced a set back during rehab, and was given a 50 game suspension due to the biogenesis scandal. He was only able to play in 17 games in 2013.
Chris Stewart is also eligible for arbitration. He played our starting catcher for 109 of our games this season. Both his fielding, and hitting leave much to be desired. It is my guess that Stewart will not be tendered an offer. We just wrote about the fact that he could also be traded. Read CHRIS STEWART COULD BE TRADED for more on that.
Which leaves us with the youngsters. Austin Romine, and JR Murphy. Romine's season was fairly disappointing. Though, if I am being fair, I know it was mostly due to lack of starts. He really didn't have the opportunity to prove himself. Romine only hit .207, but again, the Yankees decided to go with Stewart for the most part, and did not allow for Romine to actually shine. The opposite is true of Murphy's season down on the farm. He hit .269 between Double and Triple A, and has improved defensively.
So who plays back-up? It all really depends on whether or not the Yankees actually intend to tender Cervelli an offer. Romine still has the minor league option on his contract, where Cervelli does not. If they do not extend that offer, then it is likely we will see Romine as back-up catcher. And if there is a need for it, they can always bring up Murphy to get a few appearances at the plate.
In comparison to the catchers problem we had at the beginning of the 2013 season, this is not a bad problem to have. I am more than happy with the McCann signing. After Russell Martin left, I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth. Catchers, in my opinion, is the most important man on the field defensively. Stewart, and Cervelli left a lot to be desired. I'm glad that the problem this year is "who is playing back-up," instead of "which back-up is going to be our starter?"
--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804
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