Kelly Shoppach would be a great addition to the Mets as he bats right handed with some power, which is something we could really use from our backstops. His best season came with Cleveland where he hit 21 home runs back in 2008. After he left the Indians he struggled for a few seasons with Tampa Bay, but appears to have rebounded with the Red Sox this season.
Shoppach, 32, is a free agent to be and is making just $1.3 million this season and could be a very affordable option for the Mets in 2013. He could also be good enough offensively to supplant Thole as the starter, so if we could acquire him on the cheap, it may be worth a shot.
In 2012 Shoppach is batting .261 with five home runs, 15 RBI, and 11 doubles in just 119 at-bats.
Torrealba, 34, is a veteran catcher with a some pop. He bats right handed, is a good defensive catcher and is a better overall hitter than Mike Nickeas or Rob Johnson. He is young enough to be re-signed and be an effective back up or platoon option with Thole against lefties in 2013.
He will be a free agent after the season and could be a bargain for the Mets who are sorely in need of an adequate right handed catching option. Torrealba has never been known for his offense, but his veteran leadership could be very useful with the influx of young pitching set to hit the rotation over the next few seasons.
In 2012 Torrealba is batting .236 with three home runs, 12 RBI and eight doubles in 161 at-bats.
