The never-ending saga of who will be the starting catcher for the Dodgers has taking another turn.
Not long after Russell Martin was let go and Rod Barajas was brought back, the Dodgers have come to terms on a one-year deal with Dioner Navarro. That's the same Navarro who was once the "catcher of the future" a few years ago for the Dodgers before being shipped off to the Rays in 2006.
In many ways, the tales of Navarro and Martin are eerily similar. Both were young backstops in the Dodgers' organization, both played in the '08 All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium, both looked ready to become the best catchers in baseball... and both crashed and burned and were non-tendered. As Martin most likely moves on to another team to catch, Navarro is back to where he started.
Navarro only appeared in a combined 75 games over the '05 and '06 seasons before moving on to the Rays. In Tampa, he hit his peak in '08 by hitting .295 with seven homers and 54 RBIs. Just when things appeared to looking bright, he tanked to an abysmal .218 in '09 and .194 last year.
The last straw for the Rays was when Navarro was not announced to be a part of the postseason roster, and he packed his bags and went home. So much for staying to root your teammates on. Anyway, the writing was obviously on the wall for his dismissal.
The Dodgers will now have three catchers of various experience. Barajas is the #1 catcher right now, as he was brought back because of the pop in his bat and ability to handle a staff. A.J. Ellis came on in September of last season to show some promise going forward. Now Navarro will return to L.A. looking to stake his claim as the top guy.
I honestly feel bad for Ellis at this point, as he must never feel comfortable with the big club. Just when he thought he'd be getting some starts and be the backup to Barajas, he once again will have to compete to stay away from the minors. But, maybe this will be extra motivation for him this offseason.
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