It's so early in the offseason that it is very unlikely that a big name such as Brian McCann could be on the move right now, but he is definitely already getting interest....and he is showing some too. He's checking in with teams so I am not taking anything seriously yet. The Yankees are in the mix, but so are some of the most powerful teams in the American League. Here is the latest.
The Texas Rangers are said to be extremely interested in McCann even though they just signed Geovany Soto to a $3.05 million deal. They have called him the starting catcher so far, but if McCann wanted to sign there he would still be a good fit for them. His power numbers and home runs would help their struggling offense, something that contributed to them not making it further into the postseason. At this point, both sides seem to still be interested despite the signing of Soto.
The Red Sox are also another option. It certainly doesn't sit well with me because the last thing I was is to see that lineup get another great power hitter that we could use.....but it could happen. The Red Sox decided not to make a qualifying offer to their own catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Maybe the Red Sox don't have as much faith in him after all. They did use his backup, David Ross in the last three games of the World Series. If that isn't enough speculation, McCann's agent is already laying the groundwork with this:
"Certainly Boston is a city that Brian likes, and he has always respected the organization and the front office," said B.B. Abbott, managing partner at Jet Sports Management. "Obviously, the coaching staff and clubhouse unity is attractive. He has also always been fascinated with the fan base, their support of the Red Sox and the history of the organization. Boston would certainly be a place that would be a consideration for Brian."
To speculate even more, David Ross and McCann are good friends, and have played together in Atlanta. Could they reunite in Boston? I hope not. Read more about this HERE.
What about the Yankees? We could use a good offensive catcher. We spent all of 2013 trying to piece together combinations of backup catchers and rookies looking for some magic. McCann could be the magic we are looking for. He could do wonders with the short porch in right and he calls a great game. We need leadership now that Jorge Posada is enjoying his retirement and we let Russell Martin walk away last season. Can we afford to do it again this year? Brian Cashman seems to know that we can't, but will he finally get a deal done? Here is what he had to say about signing a catcher:
"We definitely have catchers that can, without a doubt, control the defensive side of the game," general manager Brian Cashman said. "The upside of the offensive side is obviously something we can do better on. We will certainly explore the options on the catching market, but we do have catchers."
So we have catchers...but we need to look. You can read more about the Yankees interest in McCann HERE. This is just another example of Cashman and his poker face. I just hope this year we don't let another one get away. The Yankees salary cap will play a key role in this because if he wants a multi-million dollar deal over an extended period of time the Yankees may pass again.
Will the Yankees have something exciting waiting for us under the Christmas tree this year? I hope so. Last year we got nothing. It's November and I am already hoping that Santa brings us something good this year. If McCann goes to Boston I will also become violently ill. It's early though, so stay tuned. If anything changes with McCann you know we will fill you in right here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.
--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ
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