The Boston Red Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers signed players today that just might have an impact on the Rays.
The Red Sox found a pretty decent shortstop with the signing of Marco Scutaro. The Brewers nabbed Gregg Zaun. It remains to be seen how this will impact the Rays and the standings in the AL East.
Marco Scutaro stays within the division, but goes to the hated Red Sox. He’s coming off a very decent 2009 where he hit .282 with 12 home runs and 60 RBI. But, on the positive side, he’s only a .235 career hitter against the Rays. The Red Sox probably aren’t done in the free agent business. But, this one shouldn’t have a major impact on the AL East race.
Then there’s the signing of Gregg Zaun by the Brewers. Sure, Zaun’s on the downswing of his career. But, the Kelly Shoppach/Dioner Navarro tandem behind the plate for the Rays makes my stomach quesy. Both will not survive. The Rays will need to let one of them go and find a platoon partner for the one left standing.
Considering the Rays just traded for Shoppach, my money is on them letting Navarro go. I’m perfectly ok with that. Let’s give Shoppach a chance. He really can’t do worse than Navi, can he?
But, the Rays will still need a back-up. Michel Hernandez is gone. Shawn Riggans can’t seem to stay healthy. So, it would seem that the Rays would still be in the market for a catcher. John Jaso is a left-handed hitting catcher within the Rays system. But, his 2009 season wouldn’t make anyone think he’s ready.
Gregg Zaun would have been a perfect compliment to the Shavarro catcher the Rays currently have.
