Catcher: C is a Priority, No it’s Not, Yes it Is
Earlier in the off-season, at SI.com, Jon Heyman listed Omar Minaya’s top priorities as being the team’s bullpen, followed by catcher, the rotation and possibly the outfield.
Yesterday, in the New York Post, Bart Hubbuch listed catcher as a possibility as well, though it was last on the list, according to a person familiar with the team’s thinking.
However, according to WFAN’s Mike Francesa, based on an off-air conversation he had with Omar Minaya, the Mets are 100 percent satisfied with Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro.
In Francesa’s view, talk of upgrading at catcher in not true.
Speaking of catcher, according to the Easy Valley Tribune, several teams have expressed interest in D’Backs C Miguel Montero, who is not eligible for arbitration until after 2009.
Meanwhile, at ESPN.com, Buster Olney says the D’Backs could end up keeping Montero, and instead trade Chris Snyder.
Also, in a post to MLB.com, Rangers reporter T.R. Silluvan writes, ‘The Rangers have catchers to trade,’ but, for instance, in talks with the Red Sox, they will cost a pitcher like RHP Clay Buchholz.
Lastly, at MLB.com, Dodgers reporter Ken Gurnick quotes Dodgers GM Ned Colletti as saying, ‘We aren’t trading Russell Martin. I’ve never brought that up to anybody.’
Earlier in the off-season, Peter Gammons wrote on ESPN.com, “Some Dodger officials have spread the word that Martin will either be traded or moved to third base.”
