The Cubs released catcher Max Ramirez, Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports (on Twitter). The 26-year-old backstop is a free agent after a turbulent year that has seen him claimed off of waivers twice.
The Red Sox claimed Ramirez in January after coveting him for years. Five days later, they exposed him to waivers and the Cubs claimed him. Once a highly regarded prospect, Ramirez hit just .235/.300/.353 in 40 plate appearances at Triple-A Iowa. It's far from his career minor league line of .297/.394/.474, but the sample is small enough that another organization figures to give him a chance if he's looking for one. The Twins, for example, could sign him to a minor league deal.
The Rangers were so high on his bat after the Lofton trade. Sad to see.
Rangers were also quite high on Salty and Teagarden.
seems like nobody wants him
funny thing is he would still be the best option for the Red Sox and this time won’t cost a 40 man roster spot like it did this summer. He will be the Sox Starting catcher by Memorial Day….which says more about the crap thats already there than this guys talent
dude….salty is a HOFer!!!
Wouldn’t mind seeing the Mariners take a flyer on him.
Theo Epstein: “Can he catch?”
EDIT:
Theo Epstein: “Can he somehow put a ball in play while batting all while defensively positioned behind the plate?”
New meme. I like it. It’s simple and easy to remember at a moments notice.
Brian Cashman: “Can he pitch?”
The funny thing about that is the answer to that question has usually been yes.
Max being Max.
I can see the Red Sox claiming him again.
Seems like a typical catcher’s slash line.
In all seriousness though, why are catchers the offensive problem childs in a line-up?
Is it the extra wear and tear on their bodies? Rare to see a top producing catcher in the big leagues.
because usually when someone is good offensively they won’t put them behind the plate because of the extra responsibility and wear and tear.. which leads to those not gifted offensively to take on the roll.
Like Delgado.
*role
good for you.
Also, when playing in high school/college, most major leaguers were probably athletic enough to play other positions. Nobody likes to catch and crouch the whole game. (plus catching a 90+ fastball + major league curve ball is no fun) And usually, the most athletic players are the better hitters.
Additionally, most teams don’t like tall catchers (apart from Mauer) and most major leaguers are pretty damn tall. (and yes, teams worry about diminishing production because of the wear and tear)
Clearly, this just speculation but it sounds reasonable.
Ramirez could rejoin Theo’s stable of mediocre catchers. Seriously, though, McKenry seems like a better option at this point.
mckenry’s putting some pressure on right now as a defense-first catcher hitting .308/.426/.513 in AAA
Lofton has been retired for along time.
Astros could take a flyer on him.
A cheep backup to fit uncle draton”s budget