Red Sox rumors: Ryan Lavarnway, Jarrod Saltalamacchia

With veteran backup catcher David Ross now in the fold, it’s been rumored that the Boston Red Sox will consider trading backstop Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Ryan Lavarnway. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe lists Saltalamacchia as the catcher Boston is most likely to deal if it receives the right offer:

There seemed to be a strange dynamic in the Boston clubhouse regarding Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The pitchers overwhelmingly seemed to prefer throwing to him rather than Lavarnway over the last few weeks of the season, but he’s the one the team will likely deal if it gets a good offer.

Cafardo adds that "there may be a decent market" for Saltalamacchia’s services if the Red Sox do indeed decide to shop him. The Chicago White Sox could be a potential fit for the 27-year-old if they are unable to re-sign veteran backstop A.J. Pierzynski. If such a trade were to take place Cafardo believes the White Sox could send the Red Sox a starting pitcher such as Gavin Floyd.

Last season was Saltalamacchia’s best offensively in the majors. While his batting average (.222) and on base percentage (.288) were not impressive, he did maintain a slugging percentage of .454 by hitting 17 doubles, one triples and 25 home runs over 405 at-bats.