Browsing Archive December, 2012

Soto, Loney Off the Table

Minutes after filing the Mets Fan Window Shopping: Catcher story, the Rangers and Geovany Soto agreed to terms on a one-year deal. So much for that. The only catcher under 30 left on the market is Jesus Flores; I say sign him and A.J. Pierzynski and call it a day. Your thoughts?

Not long after, the Rays announced the signing of James Loney. Yawn.

In other news, Jason Isringhausen is reportedly considering another year — he says there’s a “70% chance” he’ll return, whatever that means.

Additionally, Brad Lidge has retired, so scratch him off of your Christmas wish list.

That’s it for the moment. If you hear any major news, please feel free to post it in the comments.

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Mets Fan Window Shopping: Catcher

It’s clear the Mets need a catcher. Actually, they need two catchers — a starter, and a backup. Josh Thole is a really nice guy, and he works really hard, but he’s not an everyday catcher on a championship club, and he might not even be a backup on a championship club. Most second-string backstops offer at least one plus MLB tool; generally, it’s either a strong defensive skill or a power bat. Sometimes, a second-string catcher is just average all-around. Unfortunately, Thole meets none of these characteristics. Offensively, he offers zero power and has steadily regressed in every other batting skill. Defensively, he’s hit his ceiling as below-average all-around; some would argue that his game calling, lack of leadership, and inability to handle pitchers is detrimental.

The Mets might try to trade for a catcher, but right now we’ll do some window-shopping on the free-agent market.

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Braves Trade Tommy Hanson

The latest from the Hot Stove is that the Braves have traded righthanded starter Tommy Hanson to the Angels in return for righthanded reliever Jordan Walden. Why would the Braves trade a 26-year-old starter coming off a career-high 13 victories for a middle reliever?

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