Update on catchers...

A name that has not been mentioned is that of Jason Kendall, the 35 y/o right hander is no longer the player he once was with the Pirates. From 1996 through 2000 he was considered one of the best catchers in the league, a standout defender with a great arm and a solid bat. During that time Kendall was a two time All-star, now his defense is beginning to slip and so is his bat. Still a great pitchers' catcher and would be a solid mentor for the young catchers, Kendall would be an inexpensive alternative behind the plate. Of course the Mets want a guy with pop and Kendall has none, doesn't appear to be a match but he is another player to put in the pool...

So, Tellem and Kendall probably will now test the free-agent market to see what else is out there before accepting a sizable pay cut to return to Milwaukee. As I wrote last night, Melvin said he is tempted to see what catching prospect Jonathan Lucroy can do, and he has another prospect in Angel Salome, also. source JSOnline

Bengie Molina went from my first choice to a lot less appealing, the Giants are going to offer Molina arbitration meaning if the Mets sign him he will cost a second round pick. The need to fill the holes in their major league roster, but they also need to build their farm system and can't afford to be giving up picks for a catcher.

But the team is eyeing a particularly pricey selection. For Bengie Molina would cost more than just money. He will also likely cost a draft pick. source Newsday

There has been some speculation that the revisit Yorevit Torrealba, as I've said before it would be a miracle for them to be able to schmooze the catcher they jaded by pulling a contract off the table after speaking to his wife and family about coming to NYC. Torrealba's option was turned down and he refused a two year contract offer from the Rockies, but Troy Renck said that doesn't necessarily mean he's leaving Colorado.

These options are a bit of a poker game. But it’s understandable that Torrealba would turn down the two-year deal if there was still a chance the team would exercise the $4 million option. There remains a chance that Torrealba, a popular figure in the clubhouse, could return as a free agent. source Denver Post

A new name has emerged on the trade front at the catcher's position, so far there are rumors about the availability of Buck in KC, Shoppach in Ceveland, Snyder in Arizona and now Laird in Detroit can be added to that list. The 29 y/o right handed catcher who is a lifetime .247 hitter but only hit .225 this season while hitting .276 the year before, as far as power he has none, the most HRs he hit in a season were nine...

Tigers catcher Gerald Laird, whose 2010 salary would exceed $3 million, also has been mentioned in trade rumors. source Detroit Free Press