Catcher in the Rye

As Trey pointed out, David Wells has expressed a strong desire to be traded to the West Coast, and rumors of his retirement (should this demand not be met) are floating all over baseball (or at least all over our conversations about baseball). Trading him directly for Doug Mirabelli would be an excellent deal. Not only would this reduce the amount of starting pitchers on the 2006 staff, but it would also fulfill Wells' desires to finish his career in a warmer climate.

This deal is particularly excellent, as Trey pointed out, because former Mets catcher Mike Piazza has just signed a one year deal with the Padres. Piazza will be excellent as either a backup catcher or as a catcher that could be used as part of a duo, much like the Molina brothers' former role on the Angels. Trading Wells for Douggie would also bring back a fan favorite and all around decent guy back to Boston, while freeing up money to pursue a shortstop, such as the aforementioned Alex Gonzalez.

The only snag in a deal such as this, is that the budget-concious Padres would most likely want some catching prospect or nearly Major Leagues ready catcher. They do have four catchers on their 40-man roster, so maybe a trade like that would be acceptable to them. It is certainly a deal worth considering, especially with the addition of Piazza to the Padres staff.

-J