In a press release, the Mets have announced the signing of catcher Shawn Riggans to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.
Riggans had a rough 2009, hitting .143 in seven major league games with Tampa Bay, and posting just a .233/.298/.314 line in three minor league stops. Clearly, his right shoulder tendinitis played a role.
As recently as 2007, he posted strong minor league numbers, but there is little reason to expect Riggans to be much of an upgrade at catcher for the Mets. Still, when the starter is likely Omir Santos, a career minor leaguer, it is understandable that the Mets are bringing in some extra competition.
Riggans will be joining the likes of Henry Blanco, Chris Coste, Omir Santos, and Josh Thole for the split role of catcher for the 2010 season.
At this point with Molina out of the picture, it is mostly a battle between Coste and Santos on who will share time with Blanco. Thole will be spending most, if not all, of 2010 in Buffalo developing and Riggans doesn’t seem impressive enough to get a spot on the 25-man roster.
With Spring Training creeping up on us, Riggans may be the final Mets signing of the offseason.
