If you needed proof that catcher is the toughest defensive position in MLB, look no further than the fact that players like former Texas Rangers backstop Yorvit Torrealba are able to hang around in the majors.
Source: Former
— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) August 14, 2012#Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba "looks like he's going to Toronto [Blue Jays]."
Texas designated Torrealba for assignment after the deadline-day acquisition of Geovany Soto from the Chicago Cubs gave them a glut of catchers.
The Rangers had liked Torrealba's ability to call a game, but they grew disenchanted with his bat as the 2012 season progressed. The 34-year old is hitting only .236/.302/.342 in 182 at-bats this season, a drop-off from his .273/.306/.399 line in 2011.
Here's a bit of comedy: Torrealba has the same OPS this year (.643) as Michael Young. So apparently the Rangers can't live with that type of production from their backup catcher, but it's totally cool if that's what they are getting from their full-time designated hitter.
Because Texas couldn't find a trade partner for Torrealba, they will eat the remaining few months of the two-year, $6.25 million deal he signed in 2011 even if he signs with the Blue Jays.
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