The Catcher Market Revisited

It’s been over a month since we finished up our Trade Market series.  A lot has changed, so let’s take another look at each position.  Today we’ll look at catchers.  As always, I welcome suggestions in the comments.

• Gerald Laird, Rangers.  He’s currently on the DL with a hamstring strain.  He should be back this month.  However, the Rangers may be on the fence about selling and committing to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the main catcher.
• Bengie Molina, Giants.  The Giants are only five games out, and GM Brian Sabean said he’s not thinking of trading Molina.
• Rob Barajas and Gregg Zaun, Blue Jays.  Both are free agents after the season, though Barajas has a $2.5MM club option.  The Jays are 14 games out.
• Miguel Olivo, Royals.  He has a $2.7MM club option for ’09.  Trey Hillman has managed to find playing time for both John Buck and Olivo.  Impressively, Olivo has thrown out 50% of would-be basestealers.
• David Ross and Paul Bako, Reds.  Neither seems worthy of a starting role, though the Marlins are said to be interested in Ross.
• Ramon Hernandez, Orioles.  At six games out of the wild card, the Orioles could go either direction.  Hernandez isn’t having a good year, but he did hit better in June.  Signed through ’09, his contract is a burden.
• Yorvit Torrealba, Rockies.  He wants to be traded, having lost the starting gig to Chris Iannetta.  The Marlins almost signed him last winter, but he’s not on their radar.  Torrealba is signed for ’09 at $3.5MM.
• Paul Lo Duca, Nationals.  He’s become Jesus Flores’ backup, and doesn’t bring anything to the table at this point.
• Ronny Paulino, Pirates.  Paulino was banished to Triple A in June.  He was raking there until he sprained his ankle about a month ago.
• Kenji Johjima, Mariners.  The three-year extension is looking really bad.  Johjima has been abysmal this year.
• Josh Bard, Padres.  BP’s John Perrotto says the Friars will shop Bard once he returns from his ankle injury, perhaps this weekend.  Bard is under team control for ’09.