RealGM

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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