Red Sox Rumors: Kelly Shoppach Candidate to be Traded

Jayson Stark spoke with a National League executive who believes Boston Red Sox backup catcher Kelly Shoppach is a candidate to be traded this summer.

With Kevin Youkilis gone, who's the next Red Sox player who could depart? One NL exec nominates Kelly Shoppach, whose exit would pave the way for the call-up of Ryan Lavarnway (.320/.405/.489 in Triple-A). "I wouldn't be surprised if they move [Shoppach]," the exec said. "I'm not saying it'll be in the next week, but sometime."

Because of the presence of Lavarnway, if the Red Sox decide to trade Shoppach it wouldn’t necessarily be a sign that they are selling on the season.

Shoppach has shown off his power stroke over his limited opportunities this season, hitting at a clip of .276/.364/.540 with 15 extra-base hits in 87 at-bats. The 32-year-old owns a career OPS of .743 and is considered to be an above-average defensive backstop.

Lavarnway, 24, has performed well so far this season for the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate. Over his 225 at-bats, he’s posted an OPS of .894 with seven home runs, seven doubles and 35 RBIs. Lavarnway made his major league debut last season, hitting .231/.302/.436 over his 39 at-bats with Boston.