southsider2k5 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianp...uXbNNPqYLk2evUw Indians trade catcher Kelly Shoppach to Tampa Bay for player to be determined By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) – 2 hours ago CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians traded catcher Kelly Shoppach to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday for a player to be named. After Shoppach filled in for an injured Victor Martinez and led American League catchers with 21 homers in 2008, the Indians were expecting big things from him last season. However, he batted just .214 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs in 89 games. He struck out 89 times in 271 at-bats. Shoppach's departure could make Lou Marson, acquired in the deal that sent pitcher Cliff Lee to Philadelphia, Cleveland's starter behind the plate. Wyatt Toregas likely will be the backup catcher. Highly touted prospect Carlos Santana is expected to begin the season at triple-A Columbus, but the Indians hope he will be in the majors at some point next season. "This is most about our young players," said Cleveland general manager Mark Shapiro said. "We are excited about giving them an opportunity to play. It's an area of strength for us." Marson and Toregas both spent time with the Indians late last season, but Santana, 23, is clearly Cleveland's catcher of the future. He batted .290 with 23 homers and 97 RBIs last season at double-A Akron and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Eastern League. "Most likely for Carlos some time at triple-A continuing to develop his game-calling, his leadership skills and honing his defensive game will be beneficial," Shapiro said. "I would expect at some point (next) season, between April and September, we'll see him in Cleveland." Shapiro acknowledged financial considerations were involved in the trade. Shoppach, who made US$1.95 million last season, is eligible for salary arbitration and could earn close to $3 million in 2010. The Indians might sign a veteran catcher before spring training opens, but it's not likely to be a starter. "I do not expect to sign someone to take the bulk of the playing time," Shapiro said. "It would be someone who would factor in as a player in a backup type role." The Indians will complete the trade with Tampa Bay before Dec. 20. Shapiro said the player the Indians receive could be on the 25-man roster when the season begins. Shoppach spent four seasons with Cleveland. He was acquired in a 2006 trade with Boston. "Kelly's a guy who has great talent and the ability to be a complete catcher," Shapiro said. "He calls a good game, he throws well and, obviously, he hits for power. I know he strikes out a lot, but he's got great power. The more contact he makes the more a run producer he will be." Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightni Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 There goes the Upton/Crawford speculation. They don't need Flowers now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fathom Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Good, Shoppach seems to do a lot of damage against our lefty starters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockRaines Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Thank God. Now get Redmond out of the division and all backup catchers that kill us are gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalapse Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 1, 2009 -> 08:41 PM) Thank God. Now get Redmond out of the division and all backup catchers that kill us are gone. Redmond is as good as gone. Unfortunately Jose Morales' reign of terror has just begun. He hit something like .550 with a walkoff against us last season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prochisox Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 This is great news! Now if the Blackhawks win I can go to sleep happy today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan4life_2007 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 I know it's easy to say now, but could you imagine if the Rays had taken Posey instead of Beckham in '08? Not to say Beckham won't pan out. But Posey would've filled a gaping hole for them for the next 5-6 years (not to mention he'll probably be the better player). Shoppach blows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted December 2, 2009 Author Share Posted December 2, 2009 QUOTE (GO CHI SOX! @ Dec 1, 2009 -> 08:48 PM) This is great news! Now if the Blackhawks win I can go to sleep happy today. Nighty, night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 QUOTE (knightni @ Dec 1, 2009 -> 06:31 PM) There goes the Upton/Crawford speculation. They don't need Flowers now. Kelly Shoppach isn't exactly a catcher for the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chw42 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 1, 2009 -> 10:27 PM) Kelly Shoppach isn't exactly a catcher for the future. He's a damn good power hitter though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 QUOTE (chw42 @ Dec 1, 2009 -> 11:33 PM) He's a damn good power hitter though. Perfect for a backup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chw42 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 2, 2009 -> 05:49 AM) Perfect for a backup. Shoppach was money in 08 though. He has the potential to hit 25 home runs with a high slugging % as a regular. I think that's something Tampa might look into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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