During the offseason, the Rangers signed catcher Yorvit Torrealba to a two-year deal worth $6.25 million. I for one, found this deal particularly risky, especially when Torrealba was dubbed as the Rangers' number one catcher. Looking back at Torrealba's career statistics, two things stand-out. The fact that Torrealba's previous career high in games was 113 in 2007, and that the average of games played in a season for Torrealba's entire career is around 70. Seeing that Torrealba has only averaged around 70 games a season, I noticed that he has already played 33 games this year, which is nearly half. None of this would really matter if it wasn't for Torrealba's apparent struggles at the plate, both batting and catching; he looks tired. Yorvit Torrealba is a good catcher, don't get me wrong, he just does not belong as a team's legitimate number one catcher. He has proven, at least to me, that he belongs primarily as a back-up catcher due to his inabilty to withstand the rigors of catching nearly everyday. This is not a major problem, at least not yet. But if this trend continues, the Rangers will surely have to look for other options. Taylor Teagarden is great behind the dish but is essentially an "easy-out" in the lineup until he proves otherwise. Mike Napoli's role should stay as it stands, which is spot-catching, DHing, and playing some first base. That leads us to possible external options. It is uncertain whether or not the Rangers will pursue help at the catching position as the bullpen seems to be the focal point for possible additions. But here are some possible names to consider: A.J. Pierzynski, Jesus Flores, Ivan Rodriguez, Ryan Doumit, Jeff Mathis, Chris Snyder, Ramon Hernandez, or even signing Bengie Molina. It's a long season and nothing is certain. But according to the Rangers' first 40 games, it has become apparent that not only the bullpen has struggled, but also the catchers.

Though I do worry a bit about Torrealba catching too many games, right now I just think he's in a terrible slump. Then again, catchers just don't hit. The average AL catcher right now has an OPS of just .650 or so. Really, though, I do not expect Torrealba to be outhit by Matt Treanor or Teagarden, and I think the Rangers should just have Napoli catch a bit more and not worry too much about trading for a catcher.

They have bigger needs to address on the trade market, like the bullpen. Catcher is a very weak position in baseball right now and it might be difficult to find an obvious upgrade over Torrealba, especially if you consider defense.

I'm with t ball on this one. Pudges don't grow on trees...especially these days.

Ryan Doumit and Ramon Hernandez arent bad. Many ppl are suggesting making a trade with the nats for BP help, if pudge gets thrown in, that might help. granted i dont belive he's even the nats starting catcher... and i'll be honest i have no clue what his numbers are or if he's be a remote improvement over YT. i'm still hoping we can get treanor back along with one of their pitchers, but with as well as treanor's been playing, its gonna cost us. now you all know me... i gotta throw out the Crazy idea... (its my specialty, even though we all know there is no way in hell it happens.) If come trade deadline the Cards are pretty much out of contention and shopping Carpenter, I say we do what it takes for him a Yadier. We'd get a good pitcher and some stability at catcher for a while. but i think it would eventually cost us way too much.

so yeah.... feel free to proceed with the bashing. i am your daily internet punching bag!

As bad as Norbit is, we cannot do any better. You want Taylor Teafuck as your everyday catcher? Be my guest but not on my goddamn team.

The Rangers have several "easy outs" in their lineup right now. No need to give anything up making a trade that won't pay off in the end. I'm wondering though, did Molina retire? He was a pretty decent clutch hitter from what I saw of him.

I don't see a problem that's worth the fix. Torrealba is just in a slump, and Nap is under-rated behind the plate.

As for what's out there trade wise, most of the options aren't all that much better than Teagarden, and that's saying something. Teagarden who should not be bat bat if at all possible, should just take till he has two strikes, then just choke up and slap at balls near the plate. That'll be better than his 3 or 4 pitch Monster whiff outs. Any huge improvement over Teagarden would be way too costly. We'd be giving up too much to solve what is probably a small problem that might go away.

Nappy is very streaky. Wash was stupid to play him sparingly when he was hot early in the year. Even if Prince Michael has to sit, it's idiotic to have Nappy on the pine when he's hot. Torrealba, we brought him for his glove. He'll warm up and get back to his career norms, which are acceptable.

As far as hitting, the Rangers will rise and fall on the studs we have, not some mediocre hitting catcher we bring in.