Kelly Shoppach

Shoppach endured a second straight disappointing season with the Rays, batting yet again below the .200 mark although he showed some power with 11 home runs in only 221 at-bats. The problem is Shoppach continues to have his free-swinging ways as for the second straight year he struck out over 31 percent of the time. The Rays declined their 2012 option on his contract, but he was quickly signed to a one-year deal by the Red Sox. Look for Shoppach to make most of his starts against left-handed pitching as he's delivered a career .909 OPS against southpaws.

Shoppach had a tough first season with the Rays, starting the season on the shelf after a knee surgery. He never seemed the same after he came back and was relegated to a platoon/backup role with the emergence of John Jaso. The most concerning stat here was Shoppach's 44.9 percent strikeout rate. Look for him to back up Jaso again this season and get many of his starts behind the plate when there's a lefty on the mound for the opposition.

Shoppach came crashing back down to earth (.214/12/40) and didn't even hit well enough to warrant everyday at-bats after the trade of Victor Martinez. The Indians traded him to Tampa Bay rather than footing the bill on an arbitration-induced raise. He'll presumably have a chance at a larger role there if Dioner Navarro struggles, but it's hard to see him coming close to repeating his 2008 season.

Shoppach got his first crack at regular playing time following the injury to Victor Martinez and set career highs in homers (21), RBI (55), runs (67) and batting average (.261). He's very likely earned himself a larger chunk of the catching duties in Cleveland, but he's of no threat to unseat Martinez as the team's primary catcher. Don't be surprised to see the Indians play Martinez a little more at first base to keep him healthy and to get Shoppach's bat into the lineup. Shoppach be return as the team's backup catcher and should see more action than most in that role, but he won't approach last year's numbers.

You could do worse than Shoppach as your $1 catcher. He's got enough glove to get into the lineup now and again and decent power to give you something for your buck. The Indians don't have any viable alternatives so he ought to hold onto the backup gig in Cleveland.

Came over in the Coco Crisp deal before last season and eventually became Victor Martinez's backup behind the plate. Shoppach managed to squeeze in 110 at-bats, while the Tribe toyed with the idea of making Martinez a first baseman. Short of another experiment, Shoppach will be the backup catcher and holds value if Mr. Martinez gets hurt or starts playing first again.

The "prospect most likely to be traded" still remains with the Red Sox and finds himself as the team's backup catcher to Jason Varitek. We expect that to change, unless Shoppach develops a quick rapport with knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. Boston's backup catcher the past three seasons - Doug Mirabelli - was Wakefield's personal catcher but was dealt away in the offseason. Varitek's had difficulty when he's been asked to catch the knuckler, so the backup will play every fifth day. Shoppach's a good defensive catcher and has excellent power from that position. We expect Boston to bring in another veteran, but they will consult Wakefield before making any move. Shoppach has experience catching minor league knuckleballer Charlie Zink, but it's Wakefield who'll have the most say about Shoppach's role in 2006.

Shoppach struggled when promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket in 2004, but hit as many homers (22) as he did in his previous two seasons at lower levels. Some of the sheen may have worn off last year, but the team still likes him. Unfortunately, forces at the major league level are conspiring against him. Boston has commitments to catchers Doug Mirabelli (two years), and Jason Varitek (four years). That leaves Shoppach's immediate future unclear. We would not be surprised to see him bundled in a deal for needed parts at the major league level.

Shoppach produced good offensive numbers at Double-A Portland, showing good extra base power. He's one of the best catching prospects in the minors despite missing time last year with a shoulder injury. Because Jason Varitek has become such an important player for Boston -- which should result in a contract extension -- Shoppach may not be Boston's everyday catcher until 2006.