History |
2002 Jason Varitek - original Boston team - starter 2002-2006. Backup in 2007 until Salty promoted then shipped to minors. Benji Molina - original draft (8th round) - primary backup 2002-2005. Traded for Closser/Krynzel/Hidalgo January 31st, 2006. Doug Mirabelli - original team - minors 2002-2006. Released after the 2006 season. 2003 Jarrod Saltalamacchia - Drafted in the 4th round. Became off and on backup in 2007. 2004 Toby Hall - Acquired in May 12th 2004 trade for Freddy Garcia - off and on backup when Molina injured 2004-2005. Released on 8/12/07 Yadier Molina - Acquired in May 12th 2004 trade for Freddy Garcia - left via August 13th, 2005 trade for Danys Baez. Backup for a couple of months in 2005 2005 Josh Willingham - Acquired in July 2005 monthly draft. Took over the backup C role in 2006, and by midseason become the starting catcher due to Varitek's struggles. Also played a backup OF and utility player. Unfortunately only qualified as a catcher in 2006. 2006 Mike Napoli - Drafted in June 2006 monthly draft. Became a backup as soon as he acquired when Willingham got injured in 2006. Only was on roster for about a week though... When Piazza became injured in 2007 took over role as backup. 2007 Mike Piazza - Acquired as a FA before 2007. Starter in 2007 but quickly injured. Took back over as starter for last two months of season. Analysis - Catching has been the one position of stability throughout Boston's history. Seven catchers have appeared in a Boston game but only one player was a full time starter until 2007. Yep, 2007 will be known as the year Varitek was uprooted as Boston's starter. Furturewise all I can say is: SALTY, SALTY, SALTY! Seriously with Clement, Teagarden, and Pena still coming up in the future even if Saltalamacchia becomes a 1B I'm still well off here in the future. |
Catchers |