Gerald Laird agrees to a two-year deal with Atlanta Braves - MLB Update
Filling the vacant spot of a backup catcher on their roster, Atlanta Braves has signed a two-year deal with Gerald Laird, as per the reports. Laird played for Detroit Tigers during 2012 season.
As part of the Tigers almost successful campaign which ended with a defeat in the World Series against the San Francisco Giants, his contributions were impressive.
As back up, he performed his role to the complete satisfaction of the team officials. He was strong both offensively and defensively.
Whenever regular catcher Alex Avila needed a break, Laird stepped up showing the Tigers his dominance in every department of the game. He posted an incredible batting average.
One of the reasons why Tigers did not retain Laird despite being extremely satisfied with his performance is his age. At 33, offering him a long-term contract extension does not look logical to them.
On the other hand, Atlanta needed a substitute catcher after David Ross left them and joined the Boston Red Sox. Ross played alongside Brian McCann for the team last season as his substitute.
When McCann suffered an injury and missed out on a great number of matches, Ross stepped in to play.
He did not disappoint as he struck home-runs and pulled off wins from the crucial stages of the matches.
McCann is currently struggling with his performance. His effectiveness as hitter is declining, which calls for the need to have his replacements ready and prepared for the upcoming season.
In case he repeats his poor shows in 2013 regular season as well, the Braves will be in serious trouble.
In light of this, the inclusion of Laird can be considered an extremely important step taken by them.
Tigers’ General Manager, Dave Dombrowski is of the view that while Laird is reliable with regard to defence, he cannot meet the expectations offensively.
“He can catch and throw,” Dombrowski said. “From an offensive perspective, in the backup catcher role you're not expecting a great deal.”
Dombrowski is doubtful that Laird has something special to offer for the Braves’ line-up, which needs power after the retirement of their Future Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones.
It will be interesting to see Laird joining the Braves and doing the catching job alongside McCann next year.
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