A Catching Target and a Podcast

Yesterday, the Mariners swooped in and traded for a player the Yankees had their eyes on when they acquired Michael Morse from the Nationals in a three team deal that sent John Jaso to the A’s and three players–A.J. Cole, Blake Treinen, and a player to be named later–to the Nationals. Along with Jesus Montero, Raul Ibanez, and Jason Bay, the M’s now have four players that are capable of DHing. But their part of the story is done. Now that the A’s have acquired John Jaso, they’ve designated George Kottaras, another catcher, for assignment. I think he’s definitely worth a look for the Yankees considering their current catching situation.

Kottaras isn’t known as a defensive wiz as far as I know, and he comes in with a career wRC+ of 97. However, in the last two years, he’s been a bit better. In 2011, he posted a .335 wOBA and a 110 wRC+; in 2012, between the Brewers and the A’s, he posted a .339/114 split. He’s also shown some pop, hitting to a .207 and .205 Iso respectively. And despite a “meh” offensive career, Kottaras does own a career 13.1% walk rate and a .191 Iso. If nothing else, Kottaras has shown he can take a walk and hit for a bit of power. What’s more, Kottaras has a career .326 wOBA/101 wRC+ vs. right handed pitching, with an 11.8% walk rate an a .209 Iso. The Yankees need all the help against righty pitching they can get, especially from the catching position. I’d feel rather comfortable with the Yankees acquiring Kottaras and letting Chris Stewart go. He and Francisco Cervelli, who’s shown in limited time (172 PA) that he can handle lefties (.365 wOBA/125 wRC+), could make up a decent-hitting catching platoon.

And now for the second half of the post, last night, I (once again) joined Stacey and Brien Jackson of IIATMS for a podcast last night. Listen here and enjoy.

Follow Me On Twitter