Feb 15, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) works out for spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago White Sox have quite a few question marks throughout their roster. As the White Sox appear to be in the midst of a true rebuilding project, the likes of which have not been seen on the Southside in some time, there are bound to be growing pains. Yet, even in the midst of a rebuild, it does help to have solid veterans around that can help mold a team for the future.
While the White Sox still have Paul Konerko around from the 2005 World Series champions, and several other veteran players, they are poised to go into the 2014 season without a lot of experience behind the plate. Tyler Flowers and Josh Phegley have solid power potential, but neither may be able to hold up in a starting role. With that being the case, the White Sox are rumored to be interested in trading for another catcher. One of the names that is coming up fairly often is one of the candidates for the New York Yankees backup catcher position, Francisco Cervelli.
Cervelli is best known for his involvement in the Biogenesis investigation last season, but has performed relatively well when called upon. He was expected to be the Yankees starting catcher last season before getting injured, and was the primary catcher for the Yankees in 2010. Despite being limited to a backup role for most of his career, Cervelli has produced a career batting line of .271/.343/.367 with eight home runs. While Cervelli is not the most powerful hitter, seven of those home runs have come in his last 200 plate appearances, giving hope that he may be a solid producer offensively if given a chance.
With the White Sox, Francisco Cervelli could get that chance. Neither Flowers nor Phegley have done anything to instill confidence that they can be anything other than backup catchers, while Cervelli has at least performed in his opportunities. If nothing else, Cervelli is at least better than what the White Sox already have.
Francisco Cervelli may not be the long term answer for the White Sox at catcher, but he can be a solid producer until they develop or sign someone else. If nothing else, he cannot be worse than the White Sox catchers last year.