Saltamacchia was scratched from Tuesday’s spring training game with shoulder soreness. It’s thought that the soreness may be caused by scar tissue that developed as a result of surgery to remove a rib and correct thoracic outlet syndrome.
While I tried to downplay it, he’s now missed three games, and some words from manager Ron Washington and general manager Jon Daniels raise questions about his chances to win the starting catcher role. I think the Rangers want Salty to be a healthy starting backstop and leader for the pitching staff as well as reach the potential they saw in him after trading Mark Teixeira.
In an article written by T.R. Sullivan, Washington stayed vague on the situation.
“We'll keep those guys hoping behind the dish until we make a statement. They don't seem to be fretting it. We have until April 5 ... we'll be all right by then.”
-Ron Washington
The statement about a statement sounds more than a little fishy to me. It makes me think the Rangers know more than they are willing to talk about.
Although the Rangers are carrying six catchers in Surprise, only Saltamacchia and Taylor Teagarden are true candidates for the starting job.
But comments from Jon Daniels make me wonder whether management will even make a decision or choose to split time equally between the two.
"It could be ... it's something we've talked about," "I'm not one to say there is one way of doing things. Some would say you have to have a clear No. 1, some would say you have to have at least one veteran ... to me it's all about the individual."
-Jon Daniels
Clearly, a lot is riding on camp for Saltalamacchia. He needs to get on the field and prove he can play day after day. If he doesn’t, he could be staring at a much-reduced role on the club.
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