Josh Bard

Bard did yeoman's work for the Nationals after Jesus Flores' season ended early, battling through nagging injuries of his own and even showing a little life in his bat in the first half thanks to a new batting stance, but he regressed to the mean with a vengeance after the All-Star break and demonstrated again that he's not cut out for a full-time gig. Washington shored up its catching situation by signing Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year deal, and Bard opted for a minor-league contract with Seattle, where his chances of landing a roster spot hinge on Rob Johnson's health.

Injury issues aside, Bard's 2008 was not nearly as bad as it appeared, as he was extremely unlucky getting hits on balls in play despite hitting a fair share of line drives, so a batting average rebound is likely. However, a decline of his already low power is worrisome. Bard is best suited as a platoon catcher and isn't likely to earn regular playing time. He'll be a serviceable endgame option in AL-only leagues after signing a one-year deal with the Red Sox in January.

After a strong 2006 season as a part-time player (nine homers and 40 RBI in 231 at-bats as a Padre), many thought Bard would take his game to the next level in 2007 as a full-timer. Things didn't turn out that way, as Bard was bogged down by the day-to-day grind of catching. San Diego acquired Michael Barrett in June to split time with Bard and will platoon with Bard again in 2008. He has some pop at the plate, although Petco Park and a projected 100-110 starts combine to dampen Bard's 2008 outlook.

Bard is San Diego's starting catcher now that Mike Piazza is gone. He's a switch-hitter with a solid glove who displayed more power than expected in 2006 (nine homers and 40 RBI in 231 AB for the Padres). He is a bit of a risk, because he has never held an everyday starting job and was not a good offensive player before his breakout 2006. Look at Bard as a high-risk/high-reward commodity in 2007.

Bard isn't a good hitter. In fairness to his abilities though, he was not put into a position to succeed at the plate in 2005. Playing a game here and there, sometimes playing back-to-back games and other times waiting two weeks to get into the lineup, Bard had no chance to get comfortable at the plate. Expect better in the future, just not too much better. Bard's major-league existence hinges on his stellar abilities behind the plate.

Bard missed most of 2004 due to two abdominal tears on each side of his body, an injury which was also classified as a hernia. He might deserve a $1 bid just for the chutzpah it took to come back after that surgery in time to catch major league pitching in September. When not squatting, Bard has a better bat than most $1 catchers.

Manager Eric Wedge loves his ability to manage a game, but, unfortunately for Bard, Victor Martinez is a star in the making. Bard will be Cleveland's primary backup.

Moves into the starting role, now that Einar Diaz has been dealt to Texas. Bard is a cheap stopgap until potential superstar Victor Martinez is ready. Bard is solid defensively and will hit for decent average, if not any power.