I thought that Josh Bard would be here a little longer this time. By signing him for a second time, I figured Bard would rebound and be that back-up catcher that Boston needs so badly. I was hoping that he would thrive this season and totally redeem himself from that awful stint in 2006. He never made it through spring training. On Wednesday, the Red Sox placed the 30-year old catcher on unconditional waivers, one day before he would have made a guaranteed $340,000. Instead, the Sox are only required to pay him $283,333. This move leaves the door wide open for George Kottaras.
"Our young catchers are doing a really good job in camp," said general manager Theo Epstein. “We had to make this move now because we need George and Wake to work together and we need to make sure we know what we have, and prepare for the season."
Kottaras, a 25-year old left-handed hitter, owned a .243 batting average and knocked out 22 homers last year with Pawtucket. As long as the Sox don’t make some kind of move to acquire another catcher, Kottaras should be on the roster come April 6th.
--I have chosen Pitt to go all the way this year in my bracket........only up by three at the half. I'm not worried. Who said that?
Pedey was in the lineup today and Drew was hit on the hand. X-rays were taken. I'll post some stuff on that later.
Keywords: Boston Red Sox, George Kottaras, Josh Bard, Theo Epstein
