Red Sox Acquire RedHawks' Catcher Saltalamacchia

The long-named catcher didn't live up to his high-prospect status in the Texas Rangers organization.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:52 am

By: News On 6

Red Sox Acquire RedHawks' Catcher Saltalamacchia

Originally Published: Jul 31, 2010 4:15 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Boston Red Sox traded for Oklahoma City RedHawks catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the final minutes of Saturday's Major League Baseball trade deadline.

Boston sent minor leaguers Chris McGuiness, Roman Mendez, a player to be named later and cash to the Texas Rangers to complete the deal.

The 25-year-old catcher was the Rangers' chief return in the trade that sent Mark Teixeira to the Atlanta Braves in 2007. Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison and Beau Jones also came to the Rangers in the deal.

Saltalamacchia, a former top prospect with both the Braves and the Rangers, has hit just .251 with 23 home runs in 4 big league seasons.

After developing throwing problems in 2010, Saltalamacchia struggled in Oklahoma City, hitting .244 with 11 home runs in 238 at-bats.

Despite injuries to several Red Sox catchers, Saltalamacchia is expected to report to Triple-A Pawtucket.