With Salvador Perez and Manny Pina both sidelined by knee injuries, the Royals are in the market for a veteran catcher, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. Dutton hears there is "growing urgency" to find a catcher to play alongside Brayan Pena (the only healthy catcher on the team's 40-man roster) until Perez is able to return to action.
Ivan Rodriguez, Craig Tatum, Corky Miller and Wil Nieves are cited as Dutton as potential targets. All are right-handed hitters who could pair with the switch-hitting Pena (who hits better against righties, only still at only a .676 OPS) behind the plate, though clearly defense and game-calling would be the Royals' focus rather than trying to find a big bat.
Perez, who recently signed a five-year extension with Kansas City, suffered a meniscus tear on Tuesday and will undergo surgery tomorrow to determine the severity of the injury. Pina will be out until the middle of May after tearing cartilage in his right knee in February.
I hear Miguel Olivo loves Kansas City!
Ramon Castro
Bobby Wilson from the Angels?
Eli Whiteside or Chris Stewart would be good fits for defensive catchers and good at handling a staff.
We’ll give you Craig Tatum for cash.
“…though clearly defense and game-calling would be the Royals’ focus rather than trying to find a big bat.”
That’s a real shame for all the big bat veteran catchers out there who are likely targets for a backup job on the Royals.
Cue Jason Kendall’s music
Pudge!
Surgery to determine the severity of the injury. That seems like an odd concept.
While hanging around the camp in Surprise, I overheard a couple official-looking guys mention the names “Hanigan” and “Butera.” Just sayin…
Hey!!! Brandon Inge used to catch. How about Inge? Do y’all want Inge? We can trade you Inge. C’mon. Take Inge, please!!!!!!
Will Nieves? Who?
We can just plug in Mitch “Can do it all” Maier!
He was drafted as a catcher
I think someone said the royals had a 50-50 chance of coming out even on Perez’s 5 year deal.
so much for that.