The Stats Go Marching In: What Are the Rays Expecting from Jose Molina? by Max Marchi
For more about Max, see his introductory post here.
At the end of the 2011 season, the Tampa Bay Rays declined catcher Kelly Shoppach’s $3.2 million option for 2012, setting him free to explore the market for his services. On November 28th, they signed Jose Molina as his replacement for one year and $1.8 million.
The middle Molina has been a backup catcher throughout...
Via Baseball Prospectus
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3 days ago
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3 days ago
Discuss
An Austin Hedges Thought
In a lengthy column about a bunch of crap mostly related to the Boston Red Sox a statistical gem unearthed itself. From Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe: From the Bill Chuck files: “Over the last four seasons, there have been four players with at least 1,000 at-bats who have cumulatively hit .220 or lower: Jeff Mathis (.193), Andruw Jones (.213), Jason Varitek (.218), and Kelly...
Via Avenging Jack Murphy
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20 days ago
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20 days ago
Ryan Lavarnway Overcomes Stomach Virus, 'Embracing the Challenge' of Winning a Job
BOSTON -- When the Red Sox signed Kelly Shoppach in December, it didn't just affect Jason Varitek's future. The acquisition presumably halted Ryan Lavarnway's ascension to the majors. With Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Shoppach slotted to catch, Lavarnway's status with the Red Sox remains at the mercy of the staff. Before the 73rd Boston Baseball Writer's dinner on...
Via NESN.com
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23 days ago
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23 days ago
Vote: Will Jason Varitek Be a Member of the Red Sox This Season?
Jason Varitek may yet return to the Red Sox, but the chances appear slight. Varitek was reportedly offered a non-roster invitation to spring training, putting the veteran catcher in contention for a job with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kelly Shoppach and Ryan Lavarnway. If he doesn't make the team in Boston, Varitek would have to shop his services to another elsewhere. The demand in the...
Via NESN.com
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January 14, 2012
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January 14, 2012
Tek's back!
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Everyone can dry those tears and stop taking the meds for Tek withdrawl, because Beckett's go-to man is back...at least for the spring. Varitek had recently expressed his desire to return to Boston and how it would be his ideal situation. He got his wish and he will have to work his ass off to prove he still has something left in the tank.
Jon...
Via Ted's Army
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January 13, 2012
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January 13, 2012
Ryan Lavarnway: The Next Alex Avila, and why Salty Should Step Aside for the Kid
In 17 games in 2011, Boston Red Sox catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway had a batting line of .231/.302/.436, good for a wOBA of .323 and a fWAR of 0.1. In relatively few at-bats he had an impressive ISO power of .205. The Red Sox depth chart currently lists Lavarnway as third behind Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kelly Shoppach. Most catchers who are third on a team’s depth chart...
Via Baseball's Economist
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January 04, 2012
Your Morning Dump...where Tek might return
Every morning we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Jason Varitek was presumed to be an ex-Red Sox when the team signed catcher Kelly Shoppach a few weeks ago. But club decisionmakers are still considering yet another return to Boston for Varitek...
Via Ted's Army
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January 03, 2012
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January 03, 2012
Send NESN.com Red Sox Reporter Didier Morais a Question for His Weekly Mailbag
Last week, Ben Cherington finally tinkered with the Red Sox roster, trading for reliever Mark Melancon and signing catcher Kelly Shoppach and infielder Nick Punto. But the general manager may have flashier moves in store, having reportedly contacted the Marlins to inquire about Hanley Ramirez. If the deal remains on the table --- and Ramirez doesn't accept a position change to...
Via NESN.com
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December 19, 2011
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December 19, 2011
Ben Cherington Hopes Jason Varitek 'Will Always Be a Part of the Red Sox in Some Way'
BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox want Jason Varitek back. It might not be as a player, though. Two days after signing free agent Kelly Shoppach -- giving the Red Sox a full complement of three catchers who are expected to be on the major league squad -- general manager Ben Cherington said the team is still talking to the captain and longtime backstop about remaining with the ballclub...
Via NESN.com
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December 16, 2011
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December 16, 2011
Rays Roundup: Moore in 2012 Rotation?
In this week's edition of Rays Roundup: Matt Moore's new deal may have secured him a rotation spot, J.P. Howell will be back with the team in 2012 but Andy Sonnanstine will not, the Rays acquire ground-ball wizard Burke Badenhop from the Miami Marlins, and catcher Kelly Shoppach returns to the Red Sox.
Via rays.scout.com
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December 16, 2011
What about Jason Varitek?
This week's signing of Kelly Shoppach and the offseason-long reluctance of general manager Ben Cherington to commit...
Via Boston Herald Sports
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December 16, 2011
Flotsam and JetsamMiscellaneous thoughts and observations.If I were to brainwash someone to be a serial killer - I would use the Lexis December to Remember tune as the trigger to set him off... These are awesome! Dirty Signs with Kristin... It should be noted that the Red Sox signing of Kelly Shoppach also saved the team $650,000 over what they paid Jason Varitek last year. Team...
Via A Large Regular
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December 15, 2011
Red Sox want Varitek to stick around
BOSTON -- The Red Sox want Jason Varitek back.
It might not be as a player, though.
Two days after signing free agent Kelly Shoppach — giving the Red Sox a full complement of three catchers who are expected to be on the major league squad — general manager Ben Cherington said...
Via New York Yankees - New York Post
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December 15, 2011
Red Sox owner Henry says Varitek always welcome
Boston Red Sox owner John Henry says catcher Jason Varitek always will have a home in the organization.
The team isn't expected to keep Varitek after signing Kelly Shoppach on Tuesday to back up Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Varitek has played in 15 seasons for the Red Sox, serving as captain since the 2005 season.
He could keep playing, but Henry said Thursday he always will be welcome...
Via AP on Fox
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December 15, 2011
Red Sox Mailbag: Mark Melancon Acquisition Could Fill Holes in Both Rotation and Bullpen
A silent offseason took an intriguing turn on Tuesday, when the Red Sox signed catcher and former farm prospect Kelly Shoppach. It continued on Thursday, when the team traded Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland to the Astros for reliever Mark Melancon. The moves are altering the roles of several youngsters and veterans from last year’s roster. Those acquisitions are just one of many questions...
Via NESN.com
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December 15, 2011
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December 15, 2011
Jason Varitek's Career in Boston Appears Over, But Red Sox Captain Has Cemented His Legacy in Franchise History
Since the end of the regular season, Jason Varitek has been in limbo. With the veteran catcher –– and team captain –– pushing 40 years heading into the 2012 season, his status on the Red Sox roster has been unknown. The answer apparently came on Tuesday, though, when the Sox signed catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year deal. With Shoppach, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway...
Via NESN.com
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011: Dear Santa…
I was talking with my friend, Paul from Boston, the other day, and he mentioned that he recently saw the Big Guy in the Red Suit, and hoped that he would have the opportunity to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas this year.
Unfortunately, he did not have the chance, so he told me instead…
Well Santa:
I need an effective RH Power Hitting Right Fielder with a Gun of an arm...
Via Boston Red Thoughts
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December 14, 2011
Does Jason Varitek Have Anything Left to Offer?
By signing Kelly Shoppach the Boston Red Sox seem to be indicating that the Jason Varitek Era is at an end. Varitek was already a part-time player in Boston, mostly serving as the lesser half of a catcher platoon with fellow switch-hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia in 2011. Saltalamacchia is sticking around, and Shoppach is also the right-handed half of a platoon. It appears that there...
Via Fangraphs
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
Shoppach Returns to Boston
Kelly Shoppach is going back to where he started. The 31-year-old catcher agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.35 million contract with the Boston Red Sox — the organization that drafted him in the second round of the 2001 draft. With incentives, the deal could be worth $1.75 million.
Signing with the Red Sox ensures that Shoppach will remain in the American League East, where...
Via Fangraphs
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
The Breakfast Links 12/14/2011
Wondering why this picture is posted? Look closer.
Hint: It's funny because it's true.
Blackburn's links http://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn
The Red Sox signed free-agent catcher Kelly Shoppach, who was originally drafted by the Sox and sent to Cleveland in the Coco Crisp deal. This likely spells the end of Jason Varitek's career in Boston. It's kind of...
Via The Nosebleeds
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
Longest Current Battery Mates Leaving Boston Red Sox At Same Time?
The Boston Red Sox boast the longest running current battery mates in Major League Baseball in pitcher Tim Wakefield and catcher Jason Varitek, but it appears as if both players’ time in Beantown could be coming to an abrupt end at the same time.
While nothing is yet official, the writing is clearly on the wall. If that were not evident enough before yesterday, the Red Sox...
Via hardballchat.com
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
Red Sox Sign Shoppach, Ending an Era
The Red Sox signed a familiar face today bringing back one-time prospect, catcher Kelly Shoppach on a 1 year / $1.35M. The move solidifies the depth chart at catcher with Jarrod Salatamacchia getting the lion share of the work and Shoppach backing him up. Power hitting prospect Ryan Lavarnway will now likely begin the season inAAA, where he can play regularly and develop his backstop...
Via Rant Sports
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
Shoppach catches on with Sox
Upon being drafted by the Red Sox in 2001, Kelly Shoppach was perceived as the potential heir apparent to Jason...
Via Boston Herald Sports
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December 14, 2011
Nickeas really seems to be the plan...
Mets really appear to be set on Nickeas as the back-up, to be honest; I thought saying they were prepared to use Nickeas as their back-up was a negotiation tool with free agent catchers. But it seems like the team is truly prepared to roll the dice with Nickeas and whether he can hit enough to be a major league back-up catcher. I thought the perfect fit would be Kelly Shoppach,...
Via Mets Fever
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December 14, 2011
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December 14, 2011
Former Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kelly Shoppach signs with Boston Red Sox
(source feed provided no summary content for this entry)
Via TampaBay.com
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December 13, 2011
THE RED SOX HOT 25
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