According to Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus, the Cubs have asked for their scouts’ evaluation of Texas catcher Gerald Laird. Laird, 27, has been a disappointment at the plate this year (.237/.296/.353). On the other hand, he’s second in baseball with a 40.8% caught stealing rate (Dave Ross is first).
A Laird acquisition would indicate a lack of faith in Jason Kendall, so it seems unlikely. The Cubs will probably give Kendall a fair shake. Laird would probably only become available if the Rangers acquired Jarrod Saltalamacchia first, anyway.
Hey, Cubs! Give Geovany Soto an extended look! He’s not too bad.
