David Ross leaves Atlanta Braves as he signs two-year $6.2 million deal with Boston Red Sox - MLB
Back-up catcher for Atlanta Braves in 2012 regular season, David Ross has parted ways with the club agreeing on a two-year $6.2 million deal with Boston Red Sox. He is an experienced campaigner and can help the Red Sox immensely.
Not only he is a reliable catcher, he is equally capable of striking home-runs and becoming an amazing offensive force for any team.
Braves recently picked up an option on their regular catcher Brian McCann, who went through offseason shoulder surgery.
That move was surprising in light of the fact that McCann experienced decline in his offensive numbers in the last few years. There are clear signs that McCann will continue struggling in the upcoming seasons.
Disturbed by the injuries, he could not appear in the matches regularly for the Braves in 2012 season. The team had to use Ross in his place on a number of occasions.
Against this backdrop, Atlanta may think of acquiring substitute catchers.
With Ross also out from their roster, the need for having back-up catchers is even more pressing.
In the offseason, apart from addressing other issues, catching department will be another area requiring attention from their team officials.
The Braves are among the most dominant teams in the Major League offensively. They host batters on their roster that can score runs at a brisk pace and can rough up even the best pitchers of the game.
During the last season, their epic power was on display in various games. Helped by the likes of Chipper Jones and Jason Heyward, their offence produced one of the highest scoring matches of the season.
Right now, their offence is not as strong as it can be expected. Chipper Jones has retired. McCann is far from his best offensively. Similarly, centre fielder Michael Bourn has tested the free agency, becoming uncertain for appearing in the upcoming season
for Atlanta.
The fact Ross also stepped up offensively during the last season means that another batter has gone missing from their roster.
Atlanta will be hoping that they find some back-up catchers during the offseason in order to offset the impact of Ross.
Both, internal and external options will be under their review as they make decisions in this regard.
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