Monday, May 27, 2013

Will Sox Trade Salty Before His Free Agency?

Headed Out Of Town?
When Jarrod Saltalamacchia hits the free agent market this Fall at age 28, he will be the youngest of a group including John Buck, Brian McCann, A.J. Pierzynski and Carlos Ruiz. If the Red Sox have a need at the trading deadline, their organizational catching depth may tempt them to deal Salty this year—and save some long-term cash. With David Ross and Ryan Lavarnway, they have more than adequate alternatives ready to step in. And with Christian Vazquez, Blake Swihart and Dan Butler not far behind, Boston is well-equipped to take a gamble on trading Saltalamacchia. Salty has improved his on-base percentage this year, but the Red Sox are still not thrilled with his high strikeout rate, inability to hit lefties and average defense. Look for something to happen on the backstop front sooner rather than later.