Phils add veteran catcher

The Phillies signed veteran free agent catcher Rod Barajas to a one year 2.5 million dollar contract with a club option for 2008. Barajas brings a bat and good defense to the catching position for the Phillies. He has power, hitting 11 HRs and 41 RBIs in 344 ABs for the Texas Rangers. Barajas an eight-year veteran can also help Carlos Ruiz learn how to handle the reigns of a major league pitching staff. Phillies GM Pat Gillick spoke highly of Barajas saying, “Rod brings a lot to the table both offensively and defensively. He's a proven winner who gives us added depth at that position."

Barajas and Ruiz will take the lion share of the time for the Phillies at catcher. Who the starter will be on opening day is still somewhat of a mystery. Barjas commented, "Going into [the season], myself and Carlos Ruiz are going to get the majority of the playing time. But if one of us were to step up, that one would get the majority." This leaves Chris Coste as the Phillies third catcher and the odd man out at that position. Coste for a 33-year-old rookie had an impressive season in 2006 hitting .328 for the Phillies in 198 ABs and will serve as the Phillies primary pinch hitter. He will also fill in as needed at first, third, and left field.

The Phillies don’t consider Coste, Ruiz, or Barajas as long-term options at the catcher position. Jason Jaramillo holds the vaunted title of Phillies Phuture Catcher. He had a solid season in the AFL with the Peoria Saguaros hitting .379 with 17 RBIs in 66 ABs. Jaramillo will start the season at AAA Ottawa and is a potential September call up. Assuming that Jaramillo does get called up, the Phillies will have way more than what Pat Gillick referred to as “added depth” behind the plate.

I understand Gillick’s logic in this deal. Coste and Ruiz are unproven commodities with little major league experience between them. Barajas is a veteran catcher who offers decent offensive capabilities. This signing if nothing else provides insurance for the Phillies. But, I am left thinking why did the Phillies need another catcher? The potential of a Ruiz Coste combination far exceeds what should realistically be expected from Barajas. The Phillies wasted 2.5 million dollars. Ruiz and Coste could have handled the catching responsibilities. If the Phillies felt they weren’t up to the task then they could have used Ryan Budde. Budde was one of the Phillies three Rule Five Draft picks. Budde while not a great option could have played in an emergency situation. I would have to imagine using Budde in this way was the Phils original plan or else they would have little reason for taking him in the Rule Five Draft. Now because Budde is a Rule Five Draft pick and because he won’t have a spot on the opening day roster, he will have to be offered back to the Los Angeles Angels. If all of these options fell through then they could have called up Jaramillo for a cup of coffee until they traded for a temporary replacement.

The multitude of options the Phillies have at catcher made this move unnecessary. The Phils didn’t need help behind the plate. Pat Gillick could have better spent his time finding another reliever instead of spending money for the sake of spending.

Sources:
Barajas signs with Phillies
Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Barajas Rejects Toronto for Phillies
Dan Gelston / Associated Press