Braves sign catcher Lavarnway

[Hawk]

Kevin McAlpin
@KevinMcAlpin
#Braves have signed catcher Ryan Lavarnway to a Minor League deal. He will be assigned to Gwinnett.

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Didn't figure this was really deserving of its own thread, but wasn't sure where else to put it.

Decent offensive force in the Minors although has never seen that translate in the Majors. Is a palatable insurance option if the Braves are able to move MichUltra.

[Julio3000]

Not bad.

[Millwood1Hitter]

Good move, guy has offensive talent but a long swing, if someone could get him to cut down on his swing it could translate into some good offensive production...but that's a long shot. He's basically the modern day catching version of Scotty Thormon, and those type usually don't translate to success in the majors.

But at this point, what the hell does it hurt to try. The potential upside is there and the risk is none, so we will see.

[thethe]

Always worth taking a flier on someone like this.

[Hawk]

These quotes are several years old now:

John Sickels:

“His glove isn’t good, but I think his reputation as a total butcher is a little overblown. Whatever they do with him, he’ll hit.”

Baseball America:

“Lavarnway generates plus power with a combination of strength and discipline. His swing is relatively compact considering his long arms. Lavarnway’s defensive improvement is a tribute to his intelligence and work ethic. He lacks athleticism and agility, but he has transformed himself from a dreadful receiver to an adequate one.”

[rico43]

Yepez back on the DL. Braves acted fast. Lavernway was a free agent for less than a day.

[UNCBlue012]

Could be a solid move!