Yorvit Torrealba

Torrealba appeared in 113 games for the Rangers just two seasons ago, but he played with three different teams last season and could not lock down a backup job with any of them. Torrealba owns a career .702 OPS over 846 major league games, so he could get a chance to win a reserve spot this spring. With a lack of viable options available behind the plate in free agency, he could end up landing in a place with an opportunity to compete for at-bats as part of a timeshare.

Torrealba saw his playing time dip as Mike Napoli surged in September, racking up just 39 at-bats in 12 games for the month. Napoli's solid play behind the plate has led to whispers that Torrealba could be dangled as trade bait as Texas looks to upgrade the relief corp following the news of Neftali Feliz's migration to the rotation. He'll serve as Texas' primary backup to Napoli in 2012 if he remains a Ranger, a scenario much more likely following the trade of Taylor Teagarden, and he appears to be a poor bet to approach 400 at-bats again as a result.

As his tour of the NL West continued, Torrealba put up decent stats as a catcher for the Padres. He doesn't hit for average and his power is limited. In the offseason, he signed a two-year deal with the Rangers to be their starting backstop. That offensive environment and a potential increase in playing time should boost his numbers, but with his skills and age, don't overvalue him as he continues his decline.

Torrealba began the year as trade bait and the backup to Chris Iannetta, with almost no opportunity for a promotion. But Iannetta stumbled early and hard, and the Rockies began to lose patience with the young catcher as they pushed toward the playoffs. By season's end, Torrealba had raised his average to .290 while endearing himself to the club with his enthusiastic play during the playoff push. Colorado declined to exercise his 2010 option on account of the $4 million price tag, but they remain interested in re-signing him for less than that. If he returns, the Rockies will likely push Iannetta back into the starting role, leaving Torrealba with backup duties again. When you consider that he struck out twice as much as he walked, and that only 14 of his hits went for extra bases, you'll see that it's wise to do your catcher shopping elsewhere.

Chris Iannetta's development relegated Torrealba to a backup role, which is his natural state. Look for his playing time to slip even more in 2009 as Iannetta becomes a minor star, making Torrealba merely a $1 catcher in NL-only leagues.

Torrealba played in a career-high 113 games and was rewarded with a two-year, $7 million contract. He handled the pitching staff very well, but struggled throwing out base stealers. Many blame that on his problematic shoulder wearing down through over the course of the year. He’s expected to be the starter but will likely split time with Chris Iannetta who is seen as the catcher of the future. Torrealba should post similar mundane numbers at the plate in 2008.

Torrealba struggled with a strained right shoulder for a good portion of 2006, limiting him to 223 at-bats after being the team's projected starter heading into the season. Either way, he is a career .249/.310/.397 hitter and the emergence of rookie Chris Iannetta is expected to relegate Torrealba to a backup role once again.

Torrealba was traded to Colorado after the Mariners signed Japanese star Kenji Johjima and will take over the starting catcher duties from J.D. Closser. Torrealba waited his turn as a backup, always looking for everyday playing time. He'll get it this year, but don't expect great results. Torrealba has limited power (three HR, 15 XBH in 201 AB last year) and struck out 50 times to 16 walks between San Francisco and Seattle last season. On the bright side, he'll have the thin air of Coors to help his stroke.

Torrealba will back up Mike Matheny with the Giants and could get more playing time with a weak-hitting catcher in front of him. He's not a bad $1 option as a second catcher.

Torrealba might have been a decent replacement for Benito Santiago, but with the Giants' acquisition of A.J. Pierzynski, he'll remain in a backup role. He's a good $1 catcher, maybe worth more if Pierzynski struggles in his new home.

Torrealba, who'll turn 25 this summer, hit an acceptable .279 in 136 at-bats in his first real major-league action last year. A few of the Giants' starters, Ryan Jensen especially, preferred having Torrealba calling their game over Benito Santiago. However, Santiago had a good year at the plate and was born thirteen years before Torrealba, which made the No. 1 catcher call for the Giants a no-brainer in Dusty Baker's mind. Felipe Alou may be more inclined to give Torrealba quasi-regular status, at least, especially if the kid has a great spring. It might also help Torrealba's case if Kurt Ainsworth and/or Jerome Williams makes the starting rotation, as he caught both phenoms in the minors.