A couple of days ago, I happened to be watching the Felger and Mazz Show. The discussion was about the 2014 Red Sox, and Michael Felger mentioned four players in their contract years- Jacoby Ellsbury, Stephen Drew, Mike Napoli and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. In reply to a a question by Felger, Tony Massarotti rather casually expressed the opinion that none of them would probably be back.
I almost couldn't believe my ears. The 2013 Sox are not the 97 Florida Marlins, who won a World Series and quickly dismantled the team. The four players mentioned have not only had above-average years, but have been instrumental in the team's huge improvement both on the field and in the dugout.
The name that shocked me the most was Saltalamacchia. Now in his fourth year as regular backstop, he has played a large but sometimes underrated role in the Sox' success. It is true that Salty, who came up with the Braves in 07 at age 22, spent four rather undistinguished years in the Atlanta and Texas organizations before coming to Boston in 2010. But in three full years in Fenway, the Florida native seems to be establishing himself among the league's top receivers, as well as a postive clubhouse man.
Salty's stats in his first two seasons in Boston raised few eyebrows. His batting averaged remained close to .230 and he struck out a great deal. But as everyday catcher for the first time in his career, a lot of his numbers have improved from year to year, including hits, runs scored, doubles, and rbi's. He slammed 25 homers last season and is on a pace for 17 or 18 in 2013. And finally, his batting average is a respectable .272. His 53 extra base hits are the most for any AL catcher.
There are also intangibles about Saltalamacchia. For the first time since the retirement of Jason Varitek, there seems to be a take-charge guy behind the plate. He has to receive some credit for the Sox' great pitching imporovement. At age 28, Salty will attract a lot of interest, since productive catchers don't grow on trees. He will probably request a long-term deal. But with David Ross and Ryan Lavarnway little more than backups at this point, his departure would leave a huge hole behind the plate.
If two of the free agents must leave, let it be Drew and Napoli. I have often expressed my feelings about Ellsbury; the same pretty much applies to Saltalamacchia.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
