It's taken Kottaras, a former infielder, a while to feel comfortable at catcher, and he's had to bulk up for the wear and tear and the collisions of the position. His defense has improved.
The Sox don't seem to care that outsiders are skeptical about Kottaras, but those same outsiders see the Sox as a possible trade partner. But it appears the 25-year-old Kottaras will start his major league career as Wakefield's catcher.
While the decision on the backup catcher isn't usually life or death, in Boston's case it's more important than anywhere else because we've seen what a disaster it can be if the catcher can't handle the knuckleball. The Sox also must come up with an eventual replacement for Jason Varitek.
The Sox re-acquired Bard in case they weren't able to re-sign Varitek, but when Varitek came back, Bard then was relegated to catching Wakefield, and that simply never worked out.
But if Kottaras isn't able to handle Wakefield, then what? A police escort for the return of Kevin Cash?
Nevertheless, over the next couple of weeks the Sox likely will have an opportunity to deal for a future starting catcher, who would have to catch Wakefield.
The Diamondbacks still will ship Miguel Montero to any team willing to give them a solid reliever and a prospect. The Sox have both to give, but while catchers are valuable, the price still seems high.
Montero, 25, a lefthanded hitter, gets excellent grades for his defense - and all the intangibles like calling a game and knowing how to handle pitchers. One scout said, "He's got a natural ability of being able to make the pitcher feel good on the mound. You see that with older catchers, but it's surprising to see it with a young guy like Montero."
The Sox won't give up a reliever and a prospect, but one solid bullpen prospect or even a younger reliever such as Manny Delcarmen? Maybe.
There aren't many other opportunities to choose from.
Texas has not come down in its asking price of Clay Buchholz for either Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden. Saltalamacchia likely will be the starter and Teagarden may wind up his backup unless the Rangers send him back to Triple A and use veteran Adam Melhuse as the No. 2.
