Rangers Claim Eli Whiteside Off Waivers for Back-Up Role

The Texas Rangers seem intent on going with Geovany Soto as their primary catcher.  They traded for Soto at the July trade deadline this past season.  However, with Mike Napoli gone to Boston, the team needed a back-up to Soto, and they got one yesterday in Eli Whiteside. According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers claimed Eli White Side off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays and expect to use him in a back-up role to Geovany Soto.  Wilson says the Rangers will continue to look for another catcher if possible, but the market is thin for solid catching.  A.J. Pierzynski is probably the best available catcher on the market. The Rangers claiming Whiteside is important because of the wear and tear catchers go through in a season.  It is rare to find a catcher who can play the whole year.  Most teams will platoon their catchers or simply give them off days and send the back-up in.  Whiteside will fill that role with the Rangers.  In doing so, Texas...