Catcher Kevin Cash, who was recently designated for assignment by the Houston Astros, could find himself heading back to Boston as a short-term solution. (Getty Image)
Veteran catcher Kevin Cash, who was designated for assignment by the Houston Astros on June 20, cleared waivers last Wednesday and accepted a minor league assignment in order to return to Triple-A Round Rock.
Cash hit .204 with two homers and four RBI in 20 games during his stint with Houston this season.
With top prospect Jason Castro now the full-time starter behind the plate, as well as veteran Humberto Quintero serving as the primary backup, it's likely that Cash won't be returning to Houston any time soon.
Although it appears that Cash is stuck at the Triple-A level, there's a rumor circulating throughout Major League Baseball that the Boston Red Sox may be exploring the possibility of acquiring their former backstop.
During Boston's 5-1 win at San Francisco on Sunday, three-time All-Star catcher Victor Martinez suffered a fracture on the top of his left thumb, forcing him to be replaced by backup Jason Varitek in the bottom of the fourth inning.
According to the Boston Globe, Martinez's injury won't require surgery, but it's likely that Boston will place him on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. For the time being, Varitek will move into the starting role, with catcher Gustavo Molina expected to be promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket to serve as the backup.
This scenario would put both Boston and Pawtucket in an awkward bind.
Pawtucket's primary catchers, Dusty Brown and Mark Wagner, are currently on the disabled list with hand injuries. Both Brown and Wagner have minimal experience catching knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, with either being the logical choice for a call-up.
Due to their injuries, it now puts Molina, who has only 19 games of major league experience under his belt, in line for the promotion. The 28-year-old Molina hasn't appeared in the big league since 2008, and possesses no experience in catching a knuckleballer.
The promotion of Molina hurts both Boston and Pawtucket, leaving Pawtucket short-handed behind the plate, and Boston with two catchers who are never asked to be in the starting lineup when Wakefield takes the mound.
Prior to Martinez's arrival in Boston, Varitek was the team's longtime starting catcher, yet he often took the day off in favor of the backup catcher with Wakefield pitching.
Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports that Boston may be interested in Cash as a short-term solution.
Cash was Wakefield's catcher for all of the 2008 season, plus he has experience catching ace Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholtz. Furthermore, he knows how to handle closer Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth, as well as relievers Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima.
It won't take much for the Astros to trade Cash, especially to help out manager Brad Mills' former club and best friend, Terry Francona. At this point, it's simply speculation, but it's something worth keeping an eye on.
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