Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ryan Lavarnway Happy to Hear About Addition of Backup Catcher David Ross

by NESN Staff on Sun, Dec 2, 2012 at 1:59PM

The pecking order behind the plate for the Red Sox is getting pretty full.

But that doesn’t worry current starter Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who seems to be greeting the addition of new backup catcher David Ross with a “the more the merrier” approach.

“When I did see him sign, I was kind of excited,” Saltalamacchia said Saturday, according to ESPN Boston. “I’ve gotten to talk to him a few times, played against him. I’m excited for the chance to work with him and learn from him.”

The underlying fact, of course, is that the arrival of Ross, as well as youngster Ryan Lavarnway coming up through the ranks, could mean Saltalamacchia is trade bait. But the veteran catcher isn’t entertaining those thoughts.

“I’ve been in situations before where things happen, and I understand it,” Saltalamacchia said. “I look at it as an opportunity to work together.”

Saltalamacchia likened Ross to longtime Boston catcher Jason Varitek in terms of experience. He said manager John Farrell told him the two would complement each other and be able to collaborate better on game-planning.

Lavarnway was also optimistic about Ross on Saturday, calling him “a great catcher.” Lavarnway said he didn’t know how Ross joining the team would affect his role, although he did say no one in the Red Sox organization has talked to him about moving to first base.