In case you missed it yesterday the Mets signed journeyman catcher Raul Chavez, the 37 y/o right handed catcher has played 263 major league games, over 11 seasons with six different teams. He has a lifetime .231 BA but in the 2008-2009 seasons he got his most regular major league use in which he averaged 45 games a seasons and hit .258.Ronny Paulino will be suspended for the first eight games of the season, the Mets could choose to go with Chavez over the inexperienced Mike Nickeas and then slip him through waivers when Paulino returns. But I don't think Chavez is here for 8 games he has a reputation as being an excellent defensive catcher with a strong arm and good game calling abilities. In 2007 the Yankees were pleased to have him in AAA working with their top young pitching prospects; Joba, Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes ( source Times-Leader Wilkes Barre, PA ) Chavez was their to call the youngsters games and help them develop. In 2008 he was a candidate for the Pirates b...
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