Red Sox interested in Jarrod Saltalamacchia

[HMFFL]

The Boston Red Sox are intrigued by Texas backstop Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the 23-year-old switch-hitter who has been shut down with a sprained elbow but will play in the Dominican this winter. The Sox would have to trade a top pitching prospect to land him.

Reviews of his catching prowess are mixed, but one scout thinks Saltalamacchia — a former Atlanta Braves prospect who was traded to the Texas Rangers as part of a multi-player deal that sent Mark Teixeira to Atlanta last season — looks very much like Jason Varitek did at a similar age.

Boston’s Varitek wasn’t always the accomplished defensive catcher he is now.

“If [Saltalamacchia] catches every day, he’s going to be fine,” said an American League scout. “He’s got a good arm. He’s had his moments when he gets crossed up, but experience will help rectify that.”


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[catalyst]

Does Boston have a high level starting P to trade? Not well versed on their minors, and not every team is blessed with Newberg.

[studcrackers]

they have several pitchers that are ready or near ready

the guy id love to have (and may be unable to attain) is clay bucholz. he came into this season as one of the top pitching prospect in baseball but struggled this year, he did pitch a no-hitter last year though.

they also have justin masterson (pitching middle relief for them now) and michael bowden (not quite ready) that's all about i can think of for now.

but the rangers have a tough decision trying to figure out what catcher to keep. lairds gone no doubt and i think this club will keep teagarden b/c he's a local kid. but salty hit over .300 vs. righties this year but sucked against lefties, and he hit great the last month of the season before he got hurt.