Boston Red Sox Rumors: Nationals, Angels Interested in Kelly Shoppach?

The Boston Red Sox currently have three catchers that can contribute at the major league level; Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kelly Shoppach and Ryan Lavarnway.  For this reason, and because of the Red Sox other areas of need, it’s been rumored that Boston could look to trade a backstop this summer.  Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com believes that Shoppach is the most likely of the trio to be dealt, and reminded followers that the Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals are currently in need of a catcher.

The Nationals and their fans have witnessed grisly injuries to two backstops in the matter of a week.  First, Wilson Ramos had his season ended as the result of a torn ACL.  Soon after, rookie Sandy Leon took a hard shot during a play at the plate and has since hit the Nationals disabled list.

At this point, Jesus Flores and Carlos Maldonado are currently listed as the Nationals catchers.  As a team hoping to remain in contention for the duration of the 2012 season, it would make sense for the Nationals to upgrade at this position.

The Angels also lost their starting catcher for a significant stretch, though Chris Iannetta is only out for six-to-eight weeks, not the entire season like Ramos.  Still, the Angels could use some assistance in the catching department as an injury to prospect Hank Conger has depleted LA’s depth behind the plate.

Shoppach seems to be the most likely Red Sox catcher to be moved at this point.  Lavarnway and Saltalamacchia are both younger than Shoppach, who signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox last December.  As such, each player would seem to fit into Boston’s long-term plans whereas Shoppach looks to be more of a one-and-done candidate.

Shoppach should also appeal to potential suitors as he is known to be a solid defensive catcher behind the plate.  Shoppach has also offered teams a little pop from the catcher’s position over the years.  Over his 49 at-bats for the Red Sox this season, Shoppach has hit at a clip of .265/.368/.469 and the 32-year-old owns a career line of .226/.317/.419 over his eight seasons in the bigs.

For more on the Red Sox be sure to check out BoSox Injection.

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