Low Cost Catching Solution: Kelly Shoppach
By Mike Silva ~ November 28th, 2009. Filed under: Offseason Speculation.
Although I am not as negative about Bengie Molina as most he doesn’t excite me at this point in his career. The other free agent names such as Rod Barajas, Gregg Zaun, and Yorvit Torrealba all come with their own issues. The name Kelly Shoppach was brought up by Mike Newman on Twitter as well as Ed Ryan at Mets Fever. I actually remember the Mets having rumored interest in him during the 07-08 offseason. Cliff Lee, who was coming off a terrible year, was supposed to be in a package along with Shoppach.
I haven’t seen enough of Shoppach defensively, but Baseball Prospectus gives him good grades defensively and he has thrown out 27% of base runners for his career. On the offensive side Shoppach doesn’t hit for an average, but has nice power. In 2008 he became the eighth player in history to have five extra base hits in one game. He has yet to receive an opportunity to play every day in Cleveland, but he was understandably blocked by Victor Martinez this entire time. He also would be inexpensive as he only made $2 million dollars in 2009. There in itself is the issue since Cleveland has him under control for a couple more years. Would Cleveland trade an inexpensive backstop to the Mets? Probably not unless they sent something back of value or over payed in terms of prospects.
Interesting thought, but it appears the Mets best catching solution is to sign Bengie Molina on a two year deal and have Omir Santos back him up. Hopefully Josh Thole develops during this period of time and solves the catching position for the long term.
November 28th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
This is a good explanation of the Shoppach situation even though it has a bit of a fantasy lean to it.
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/shopping-for-shoppach