The Chicago Cubs announced mid-week that they have signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a 1-year deal. Navarro will make 1.750 million with an extra 250K in performance bonuses. He’s expected to back-up catcher Wellington Castillo.
Navarro is only 28-years old and will be the veteran presence the Cubs were looking for. The Cubs went into the off-season, looking for a veteran backstop and have presumably found one. Navarro played for the Cincinnati Reds last season, but only in 24 games. He spent most of the 2012 season for the Reds Triple A team. In 24 games for the Reds last season, he batted .290 with 2 HR, 12 rbi’s, 2 walks and struck out 12 times.
Last season does not tell what Navarro brings to the table. Before the Reds, Navarro was the Tampa Bay Rays backstop and did have great seasons. He was actually an all-star for the Rays in 2008. Since then, Navarro stats fell and he eventually left the Rays after the 2010 season.
The Cubs may have overpaid for Navarro, but I really don’t care. It’s only 2 million and I don’t think it matters. Who knows, maybe he’ll come in and be a big burst behind the plate and to Castillo.
From the looks of it… Steve Clevenger will start the season in Triple A. I guess the Cubs saw enough of Clevenger and wanted to bring a veteran/mentor in to help Castillo. Of whom may be the Cubs future behind the plate.
Other news and notes:
*The Cubs re-sign RHP Blake Parker to a minor league deal and released 1B/OF Rebel Ridling.
*The Cubs also also sign C J.C. Boscan to a minor league deal.