Though he’s only played 32 games at the major league level since he left Boston at the end of 2008, Cash is confident to be back working with Boston pitchers. He’s also ready to take on the American League batters, who he has familiarized himself with throughout his career.
Cash successfully caught Tim Wakefield during Friday night’s 3-2 victory over Baltimore, a familiar scene for the 32-year old, as he replaced Doug Mirabelli as Wakefield’s personal catcher during the 2008 season. He went on to guide Jon Lester to his tenth win of the season on Saturday. Catching for Lester was a more difficult outing, as he features more pitches in his arsenal, but Cash was up to the task.
Cash’s confidence behind the plate comes as no surprise to Red Sox general manager Terry Francona.
“The pitchers decide what to throw, that doesn’t change,” Francona said. “But Cash knows most [Red Sox pitchers]. That's part of why he's here.”
While Cash is familiar with several pitchers on Boston’s pitching staff, there are a handful of newcomers (John Lackey, Daniel Bard and Scott Atchison to name a few) that Cash hasn’t caught before, but he’s done his homework.
“I’ve already gone through with [bullpen coach] Gary Tuck some of the pitchers I didn’t know,” Cash said when speaking to reporters before Friday’s game against Baltimore. “The guys I do know, it’s comforting.”
And it’s a comfort to Red Sox’ fans and players alike to know that amongst all the injuries, they can still put someone behind the plate who possesses the confidence to call a game. It’s just one less thing the team has to worry about.
