2009 Red Sox Preview: Catcher

For months the Red Sox’ catching position was uncertain, with both of their 2008 catchers free agents. Jason Varitek took months to finally re-sign with the club, and Kevin Cash signed with the Yankees. So while they had their starting catcher back, Tim Wakefield was without a catcher. Josh Bard was traded from the Sox for Doug Miribelli after Bard couldn’t handle Wakefield, but Bard was signed in the offseason, and he feels he is ready to catch Wakefield again.

Bard definitely is ready to catch Wakefield again and do it effectively, and he will provide more offense that Cash. But, the Red Sox have a few prospects in Pawtuckett that may be ready, which is why they only signed Bard to a minor league contract.

Jason Varitek is coming off his worst season at the plate in his career, and he isn’t getting any younger. He will need more time off this year if he wants to stay productive. One way to regulate his playing time is to have him catch Wakefield as if he were a normal pitcher. ‘Tek says he can handle Wakefield, but when asked about this possibility, Terry Francona said they don’t want this to happen. As good as Tito is, this is a move he probably will regret not doing in the future.

The Red Sox easily don’t have the best catching, but Varitek is still great defenseively and he is probably the best leader in baseball. As for his offense, it’s not like it can get any worse, right?

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