Position Breakdown: Catcher

Over the next two weeks I will be breaking down each position of the Boston Red Sox and making suggestions of what the Red Sox should do for the 2008 season. We start today behind the plate.

Recap
Jason Varitek bounced back a little bit from his poor 2006 season, but his average was still low, however his OBP was the third highest of his career.

The Captain continues to age and his numbers may not rebound to what we once saw. Varitek will enter 2008 in the final season of his contract.

Doug Mirabelli had his lowest home run total since 1999 and while his defense catching the knuckler has been a value for the Sox, the emergence of Kevin Cash could doom Mirabelli's future in Boston.

Looking Ahead
Whether Tim Wakefield returns or not, Doug Mirabelli is likely done in Boston. Kevin Cash will be the backup in Boston next season. Cash handeled Wakefield very well and he is much younger then Mirabelli.

There's nothing really out there in the free agent market so Cash would seem like the most likely choice. If the Sox could find another catcher in a trade who could also handle first base and who has a decent bat, the Sox could go with three catchers and give Varitek more days off.

Beyond 2008
George Kottaras and Mark Wagner are both within range of being ready for the majors. Would either be ready for opening day 2009? Probably not, but at some point in 2009 they could begin a phase in. Varitek likely gets a 2 year extension after 2008 and remains on the job through 2010, atleast on a reduced work load. Should Wagner be ready mid 2009 he could split time behind the plate with Varitek.