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Buzz: Molina, Barajas and Yorvit on Omar’s List

by Matthew Cerrone on October 28th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

Mets reporter Marty Noble of MLB.com believes Bengie Molina, Rod Barajas and Yorvit Torrealba will be on Omar Minaya’s list, as he looks for a catcher.

Barajas and Molina will be free agents at the end of this season.

…the buzz from Colorado suggests the Rockies will buyout torrealba’s $3.5 million option, making him a free agent, as they finally turn to Chris Ianetta as their starting catcher…

…molina is probably the best overall option, but, at 36 years old, i am not sure i could justify giving him even a two-year deal, which i suspect he is going to ask for and get from someone… molina has a good arm, he’s a good run producer, but, i would rather see the Mets spend that roughly $6 million per season on some other aspect of the roster… but, if omar ends up signing molina, i will not complain…

…like i said before, given their history, i just can’t believe the Mets and torrealba finding common ground… i don’t know why, but, i see him signing with the Giants, assuming molina goes elsewhere…

…which is why i keep coming back to barajas, who, while not the most dynamic hitter around, he has good-enough power, he will drive in runs, and he’s a terrific, all-around defensive catcher… plus, he can probably be had on a one-year deal, he’ll likely require no more than $2 million, and he’s been on the DL only once in the last six seasons…

Barajas hit just .226, but with 19 HR and 71 RBI, in 125 games for the Blue Jays this season – he hit .267 against left-handed pitching, while Omir Santos hit .283 against righties.

Meanwhile, in a post to MLB Trade Rumors, Tim Dierkes takes a look at six catchers who could be available in trade, including Indians C Kelly Shoppach, Royals C John Buck and Pirates C Ryan Doumit.

Doumit hit .318 with 15 HR in 166 games during 2008, but hit just .250 with 10 HR in half as many games in 2009.

…doumit is interesting, from an offensive point of view… the problem is, he is always injured and he’s a very weak on defense, which i believe is a priority for the Mets… it’s a shame, because he’s a switch hitter, he has power from both sides of the plate, and he can play first base and the outfield…

The 28–year-old Doumit will earn $3.5 million next season and $5 million in 2011, after which the team holds an option for 2012 and 2013.