That was a very interesting read. I voted for Teagarden. I like all of our catchers but a healthy Teagarden gives you exactly what you need out of your catcher.

I’ll take Taylor Teagarden

Intetresting how you did this. I need tom. morning to absorb this. But I do like this.

So far not bad, Jason.

I’d say prior to this year, Laird is the obvious choice because he’s “shown it” in the majors; Salty was the biggest talent/highest upside; Teagarden was a surprise at the plate in AA and a very good defender with injury questions; Max-Ram was considered the pure hitter that wouldn’t stick behind the plate.

After seeing them all (some very limited) at the big level, I’d honestly rather have Max-Ram above all the others. I don’t trust Laird by himself without a platoon motivation behind him at all times; Teagarden’s slipped big time on offense and his health is still somewhat of a concern, and Salty just flat out looks horrible in every facet of the game except for patience at the plate. For what it’s worth, I’d rate Teagarden 2nd.

But after I saw Max, I changed my mind.

Salty might have more raw talent than any of our four backstops and should be a top-notch catcher if he ever refines it – but that might take some time. And with our system as stacked as it is I’m not sure he’s ever going to get the playing time he needs to refine his skills here in Texas. Both Max and Teagarden seem like they’ll be able to have much more seamless transitions to the majors and Max at least looks like he’ll be able to do everything Salty is projected to do – so based on that reasoning, my opinion is that by the trade deadline next year there probably won’t be room for Salty or Laird on the roster.

I think what will ultimately happen is that Salty and Laird will both be traded (hopefully for some good pitching) and Max’s offense will win him the starters role, while Teagarden becomes an underappreciated backup (kind of like Kelly Shoppach in Cleveland).

I think Gerald Laird is the best all-around option as a catcher going forward. Ramirez looks like he will be a great offensive player, but probably at DH. I wonder if Teagarden will be able to hit enough, though he is great defensively. Salty….losing faith in him quickly. He hasn’t shown a thing this year.

I’m on record as saying that the Rangers should go with TT and MaxRam as the 2 guys to keep here. I would start TT and keep MaxRam as a 3rd catcher/DH/backup 1B.

I think the Rangers could get some pitching value back for OMFT and Salty this off season. I hope at least one of these guys is dealt before the start of ‘09. I didn’t think all 4 would still be here now, but it’s definitely a nice problem to have.

I voted for TT, but I would love the TT MaxRam combo, with MaxRam at DH when not catching.

Teagarden is the only one who could realistically be above average offensively and defensively. That alone puts him above the rest. Max could be another Victor Martinez which is not a terrible thing whatsoever but he’d be pushing it to start above half the games a year behind the plate unless he learns to call a better game. I believe Salty has the potential to have a real nice bat and be average behind the plate…but I don’t see him as a platoon. Trade him. As for Laird, we have to many other options to sort out. Trade him too.

I’d be more then happy to let TT and Max fight it out next year for playing time.

Chuck Rosciam of SABR posted a few comments on the blog about our catching situation. Interesting stuff.