Doug Mirabelli

2013

There was no outlook written for Doug Mirabelli.

2008

Mirabelli has carved out a niche for himself as a knuckleball catcher in Boston, an organization bereft of talent at the position at the minor league levels. A backup catcher was on the winter shopping list, but with limited options available and Tim Wakefield still in the picture, the Red Sox decided to bring him back with an incentive-laden one-year deal in January.

2007

Mirabelli's fan favorite status has never translated well to fantasy success, a fact that was never more apparent than in 2006. Splitting time between San Diego and Boston, Mirabelli set five-year lows in nearly every major statistical category. Tim Wakefield's personal catcher had a putrid .267 OBP in 2006, with an OPS that didn't even crack .600. He also struck out 59 times in 183 at-bats, a miserable ratio of nearly one strikeout per three at-bats. The Red Sox declined to offer Mirabelli arbitration in December, but re-signed him a week later when the market for backup catchers dried up. He'll reprise his role as Wakefield's personal catcher and get one day of work every five days.

2006

Mirabelli was traded to San Diego where he will have a shot at winning the starting job. He's shown some moderate power while a backup with Boston, but has never had a full season worth of at-bats and it's questionable whether the 35-year-old catcher can handle a full-time job. The Red Sox traded for Mirabelli to once again catch Tim Wakefield in May.

2005

Mirabelli signed a two-year deal with Boston to resume the role he filled for Boston the last few years. He'll catch Tim Wakefield every fifth day and be the most productive (nine HR in 160 AB) backup catcher in either league.

2004

Mirabelli's job is probably safe, given that he's Tim Wakefield's personal catcher. He'll get anywhere from 150-200 at-bats.

2003

Mirabelli, 32, is a solid backup receiver, but doesn't do the job fantasy-wise. He hit .364 against lefties, but overall was just .225. He had decent power with seven homers in 151 at bats, and appeared in 57 games, sometimes at DH. More of the same role this season is expected of Mirabelli.