There are a handful of established backstops available on the free agent market, from Miguel Olivo to John Buck to Victor Martinez. However, the Cincinnati Reds have opted to hang on to their own, re-signing veteran Ramon Hernandez to a one-year contract.
Ramon Hernandez Re-Signs With Reds On One-Year Contract
According to Jon Heyman, the contract is worth around $3 million. If true, that would equal Hernandez’s $3 million 2010 salary.
The 34-year-old Hernandez split time with Ryan Hanigan last season, starting 85 games behind the dish. And Hernandez was able to bounce back from a subpar 2009 by batting .297 with a .364 OBP. He also threw out 18 of 53 would-be base-stealers, showing that he can make a difference with the bat or with his arm.
Though his best days are behind him, Hernandez remains a stabilizing influence, and is able to provide veteran guidance to a younger, more inexperienced team. He should split the job again in 2011 with Hanigan, and he should again serve as a fine semi-regular on an up-and-coming team. Find more over at Red Reporter.
See More:
