MLB.com's Doug Miller's article on potential C2s is interesting, as he notes:
It'll be a veteran-backup bonanza for the Cardinals, Giants, Astros, Red Sox, Indians and Phillies -- all of whom figure to be in the market for one-year stopgap options.
That's true. I don't think anyone is really comfortable with the idea of a Quintero/Towles platoon behind the plate. What are the options available? There's only one Type A free agent catcher, Bengie Molina, and you can bet that means the Astros aren't interested. Type B free agent catchers abound, however. A list, you ask? Well, sure (2009 teams following the comma)
Ramon Hernandez, Cincinnati
Miguel Olivo, Kansas City
Yorvit Torrealba, Colorado
Rod Barajas, Toronto
Jason Kendall, Milwaukee
Pudge Rodriguez, Texas
Jason Varitek, Boston
Gregg Zaun, Baltimore
What about non-typed (?) free agent catchers?
Eliezer Alfonzo, San Diego
Brad Ausmus, LA Dodgers
Paul Bako, Philadelphia
Josh Bard, Washington
Michael Barrett, Toronto
Henry Blanco, San Diego
Ramon Castro, Chicago White Sox
Chris Coste, Houston
Michel Hernandez, Tampa Bay
Jason LaRue, St. Louis
Chad Moeller, Baltimore
Jose Molina, NY Yankees
Mike Redmond, Minnesota
Brian Schneider, NY Mets
Anyone catch your eye as a stop-gap until Castro is ready?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
