The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Kelly Shoppach from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for a player to be named later, according to Bill Chastain of mlb.com (click here for the article).
The move gives Shoppach a second chance, as it is assumed he will get regular catching duties for the team, replacing Dioner Navarro (who could be non-tendered). Shoppach is just one year removed from a 21 home run season, when he stepped in for an injured Victor Martinez. His performance sent him flying up fantasy draft boards for 2009.
He struggled with his average in 2009, costing him playing time. However, that shouldn’t be alarming given his recent strikeout rates in 2006 (110 AB, 40.9 percent), 2007 (161 AB, 34.8 percent), 2008 (352 AB, 37.8 percent), and 2009 (271 AB 36.2, percent).
Those are scary numbers that make it almost impossible for him to post a usable average. His .261 mark in 2008 came courtesy of an unrealistic BABIP of .359. Last season he fell to a believable level of .286, sending his average plummeting to .214. While he could see some increased luck in 2010, hitting above .250 is going to be an accomplishment in itself.
The power, however, is extremely real. He has maintained an above average home run per fly ball ratio over the past few seasons (17.1 percent, 22.1 percent, and 18.5 percent). With an opportunity to play regularly, he’s going to produce 20-plus home runs. In a Rays line-up that should provide opportunities for him drive in runs, that’s going to make him worth considering in all two-catcher fantasy formats. Just make sure you have a solid average team surrounding him.
The Indians are no worse from this deal as they are perhaps the deepest catching team in the league. While Lou Marson (acquired as part of the Cliff Lee trade) may get a look early on, it is only a matter of time before Carlos Santana is given the chance to take the job.
The Indians gave Santana a full season at Double-A in 2009, where he hit .290, with 23 home runs, 97 RBI, and 91 run scored. He also showed a tremendous eye at the plate, walking 17.4 percent of the time, which lead to an OBP of .413. The average was steadied by a very realistic BABIP of .314.
This quickly pushes him up to one of the best prospects for 2010, as he could have value in all formats before long. Those in long-term keeper leagues, or two-catcher formats, will want to target him from the outset. He could emerge as a top 10 catcher by the end of the season.
What are your thoughts? Who is the biggest benefactor of the deal? Will Carlos Santana get a shot to start the season as the Indians catcher?
Previous Fantasy Impacts of Recent Transactions:
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