The Red Sox recently signed longtime backup catcher David Ross to a two year contract, and the club now has three catchers. Ross is obviously a lock to be on the roster next season, and the starting job will be between Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway. I have a feeling that Lavarnway is going to win the job, because the organization thinks very highly of him, and Salty could be packing his bags. Therefore I think that the Mets should/will inquire on him, because he is certainly an improvement over Josh Thole (Honestly, who isn't?) 
Obviously Saltalamacchia seems like more of a realistic target, but the Mets could find a way to acquire Lavarnway instead if they include a few higher-ended players. I'm talking about possibly R.A. Dickey, David Wright, or even someone like Jon Niese. Dickey would appeal to Boston because they are looking to re-shape their rotation after completing blowing it up last season. Dickey would slide in as the team's ace, and would have success with them. Obviously Lavarnway-Dickey straight up makes no sense for the Mets, so if Boston were to throw in another 1-2 top tier-ed prospects to sweeten the deal, I'd do it in a heartbeat. As for Wright, it is unlikely that he is going to be dealt, but he could interest the Red Sox. Boston thinks highly on Will Middlebrooks, so much so that they dealt longtime third baseman Kevin Youkilis to the White Sox to allow Middlebrooks to get the everyday job. If the Mets were to give up Wright, I'd ask for Middlebrooks, Lavarnway, Daniel Bard and at least one more prospect. Finally, we have Jon Niese, whose value is not as high as the other two players I mentioned, but will appeal to Boston, or any other team, nonetheless. He is a young, controllable left handed pitcher coming off a strong season where he stayed healthy for the first time in his brief career. His value is high, and the Mets could deal him for Lavarnway straight up. I think that it is an unlikely trade scenario, but it does make sense from both standpoints.
Now, let's assume Lavarnway wins the starting catcher's job in the Spring, and that leaves Saltalamacchia who I will refer to as Salty, settling for a third string catcher's job, which will not happen. Salty sort of came into his own in 2012, but needs to raise his batting average up and cut down the strikeouts. I'd take a gamble on him, considering that he is a switch hitting catcher with promise, youth, and power. I honestly don't think that it would take THAT MUCH to get him- maybe a middle tiered prospect and a lower tiered prospect. If the price is right, I'd definitely go out an roll the dice on him.
The Red Sox will most likely not carry three catchers on their squad in 2013, so either Salty or Lavarnway will most likely be available. Boston has neglected to trade Lavarnway at the deadline over the past few years, so it is obvious that they have a plan with him. Salty, on the other hand, could be on his way out of Boston despite having his best season (which was ALRIGHT) since his career started in 2007. The Mets should take a look at both of these guys, and I think that they certainly will. Upgrading the catcher's position is one thing, but sticking a young, controllable power hitting catcher there is even more vital if the club wants to have success within the next couple of years.
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