There’s some uncertainty behind the plate for the Red Sox in 2013.
After signing veteran catcher David Ross on Saturday, there seems to be a backup at the backstop for Boston. Ross is expected to play a notable role for the Red Sox, but he is not expected to start.
Boston still has Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway, who split time at the position late last year after Kelly Shoppach was traded to the Mets. It appears that Boston has a decision to make regarding who they want sharing the role with Ross this season.
Saltalamacchia had 25 home runs in 2012, with 59 RBIs and a .222 average. His OPS was .742 as he had his best season as a pro. Lavarnway struggled, batting .157 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 46 games. The season before, he was a star in the minors, hitting 32 home runs, with 93 RBIs and a .939 OPS. Ross, 35, hit .256 in a reserve role with the Braves last season. He had nine home runs and 23 RBIs with a .770 OPS.
So with three catchers all capable of starting on the roster now, who do you think will get the most playing time in 2013? Will the Red Sox hand the reins to the future in Lavarnway? Will Saltalamacchia continue to improve as the starting catcher? Or will free agent addition Ross get the most time behind the plate?
