Monday, February 18, 2013
What happens with Buck?
By Doug Mittler
The New York Mets landed two catchers, veteran John Buck and hot prospect Travis d’Arnaud, from Toronto as part of the deal for R.A. Dickey.
Buck is known primarily for his defense (as are most .235 career hitters), and his job is essentially to keep the seat warm until d’Arnaud is ready for regular duty. Assuming d’Arnaud is ready at some point in 2013, Buck could find himself as midseason trade bait, speculates Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
The Mets are the fourth major league team for the 32-year-old Buck, who is in the final season of a three-year, $18 million deal. A low batting average doesn’t necessarily reduce the demand for a catcher. Just as Russell Martin, who hit .211 for the Yankees last season and got a two-year, $17 million deal from the Pirates.
