Projected PawSox 2009- Carlos Maldonado

Following the release of Josh Bard, the Red Sox and PawSox catching situations appear to be more clear.  George Kottaras may have earned himself a  spot in Boston.  Carlos Maldonado may have done the same in Pawtucket.

The 30 year-old Maldonado is another one of the many veterans the Sox signed this offseason to provide leadership and expereince in the PawSox clubhouse.   He was originally signed by the Mariners in 1996 and also had stints in the Astros, White Sox, and Pirates organizations.  He broke into the Big Leagues in 2006.  In 21 games with the Pirates Maldonado batted .163 with 2 homers and 4 RBI’s.

Over the last three seasons Maldonado spent most of his time with the Pirates’ Triple A affiliate in Indianapolis, where he averaged .250 with a total of 10 homers and 82 RBI’s.

Scouts consider Maldonado a good defensive catcher with a below average bat and below average speed.  He should be in the catching mix in Pawtucket with Dusty Brown getting a majority of the playing time.

Photo courtesy Al Behrman