In 756 minor league at bats, Taylor Teagarden hit 43 HR's, and posted an .899 OPS, the kid can play.
There is absolutely no reason why Washington should be relying so heavily on Saltalamacchia, while an equally-promising young catcher (more so on defense) wastes away on the bench. There are plenty of veteran minor league catchers who could offer league-average offense for a back-up catcher, while providing excellent mentoring for Saltalamacchia and leadership to the young pitchers on the staff. Three names to consider would be Sal Fasano in Colorado Springs, Mark Johnson in Iowa and Dusty Brown in Pawtucket.Teagarden has above-average raw power and excellent defensive skills, which could make him an extremely valuable starting catcher for a long time, even if he does hit just .230-.250. Washington’s use of him, though, is hurting his present and future value. The young catcher would be much better off playing everyday in the minors. The club could also use him as trade bait to bring in some MLB-ready pitching. The problem is, though, that the club is also ruining his trade value. If Teagarden ever escapes from Washington’s treatment, he has the potential to become a solid fantasy league option at the catching position.
Someone needs to step up and talk some sense into the manager.
You figure the Rangers could land a nice SP for Taylor Teagarden. But, he's going to have to play in order to get that value up.
Speaking of the Rangers and pitching. They better make a move quick if they wish to continue on being a threat in the AL West. I mean, Brad Penny has been mentioned and would be a decent add, but the Rangers need a top of the rotation guy that can eat innings and keep the ball on the gorund to go with Millwood.
The Rangers have some prospects to move, too. The thing is, it seems the Rangers always move the wrong prospects. Example, John Danks and Volquez (Though they got Hamilton).
The Rangers have some prospects to move, too. The thing is, it seems the Rangers always move the wrong prospects. Example, John Danks and Volquez (Though they got Hamilton).
Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young say hi.
(Though Chris is busy resting his shoulder for 2010 at the moment...)
off the top of my head, al the major playoff teams are locked up at catcher, but i guess when trading for Teagarden, you aren't playing for this season. Trading him across the state would seem like the best option.