Peter Gammons Says Red Sox Are ‘Convinced’ Jarrod Saltalamacchia Can Handle Starting Catcher’s Role

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Nov 10, 2010

Victor Martinez is going to be one of the most sought-after free agents this winter, and there’s a good chance the All-Star catcher won’t be returning to the Red Sox.

But according to Peter Gammons, the Sox are prepared to move on without Martinez, with 25-year-old former first-round pick Jarrod Saltalamacchia waiting in the wings.

“The Red Sox seem firmly convinced that Jarrod Saltalamacchia can be their regular catcher,” Gammons said.

The Hall of Fame baseball writer went on to point out that Saltalamacchia’s throws to second base averaged 1.95 seconds in Pawtucket this year. Furthermore, the Red Sox could still re-sign longtime backstop Jason Varitek to serve as the backup catcher and a mentor to the younger Saltalamacchia.

“Bringing Jason Varitek back to hit against left-handed pitchers, work Josh Beckett and John Lackey and provide Salty with a mentor seems to make a lot of sense if Martinez is going to move on,” Gammons said.

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