Despite common assumption, Jarrod Saltalamacchia started at 1B today. Now, that is not entirely Earth shattering news given that the Rangers, 1) No longer have a true 1B with the trading of Mark Teixeira, and 2) Have one of the better defensive catchers in the league in Gerald Laird.
What is shocking though is that Salty played 1B despite the Rangers backup catcher being in the lineup in place of Laird! Adam Melhuse allowed Laird to rest instead of putting the more proven Salty behind the plate.
This could just be a one-time where the Rangers wanted to give Salty some time to settle in to his new ballclub, but it is definitely something to keep an eye one if it becomes a habit. While Salty has a great future as a hitter, his value takes a huge hit if he only ends up being 1B eligible in leagues. Salty's 25-games played at the Catcher position should be enough in most leagues to allow him to be placed there again next season. And the Rangers should be moving Laird in the offseason to a team in need of a defensive catcher. But then again...the Rangers should have played Salty at catcher today, and we see how that really went.
Stay tuned to this one in keeper leagues. This could make the world of difference in Salty's future value.
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