Orioles claim Lavarnway from Cubs. Release Q Berry.

[Ruzious]

Not a big fan of releasing Berry, but I guess they didn't see a future with him.

Berry's probably a nice guy (except when wronged by an ump), but I think we can do without a 30 year old pinch-runner.

[UpstateNYfan]

Thanks, weams! Good pick up. Backup catcher issue pretty much solved. Caleb and Lavarnway will be duking it out in spring.

Despite Dr. Boras's opinion, I think they'll be duking it out for number 1 (albeit temporary) position. I hope MW is ready, but I believe it is likely to take longer than expected for him to be at full strength and game ready. He will be tested early this year by the opposition and if his arm strength, accuracy isn't there, it could turn a lot of singles into doubles and put a lot of pressure on pitchers to be quicker to the plate. It could get ugly early.

[TonySoprano]

We're his 4th team in less than 3 weeks, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, O's.

[weams]

The guy hit 32 home runs in the minors in 2011 and hasnt broken into double digits since. So poor defense and likely former PED user....what's to like about this move?

Power potential. DH. Lost weight to become a more agile catcher and did not get his strength or power back. Working on adding 15 lbs of weight this off season. Had a hamate fracture as well.

High baseball IQ with solid catcher's frame. Average-to-slightly above-average contact potential and possesses above-average plate discipline.

...

Has made ample strides with his catch-and-release mechanics since joining the organization. Hard worker dedicated to honing craft.

soxprospects

Lavarnway attended Yale University, where in 2007 he won the NCAA batting title by hitting .467

[Ven6]

Power potential. DH. Lost weight to become a more agile catcher and did not get his strength or power back. Working on adding 15 lbs of weight this off season. Had a hamate fracture as well.

soxprospects

Lavarnway attended Yale University, where in 2007 he won the NCAA batting title by hitting .467

Classic DD pick up. Like this move and share your implicit optimism, Weams.

[Aristotelian]

The guy hit 32 home runs in the minors in 2011 and hasnt broken into double digits since. So poor defense and likely former PED user....what's to like about this move?

High OBP in the minors?

[Redskins Rick]

Classic DD pick up. Like this move and share your implicit optimism, Weams.

low cost, low risk, and high return possible.

What's not to like?

Doesn't work out, you shake hands and say good bye, not much invested.

[weams]

low cost, low risk, and high return possible.

What's not to like?

Doesn't work out, you shake hands and say good bye, not much invested.

He might be Nolan Reimold without the neck fusion.

[Redskins Rick]

He might be Nolan Reimold without the neck fusion.

Might be, again, low risk investment.

At the same time, I do not think we will ever see Clevenger behind the plate in an Oriole uniform, so they do need a back up to Caleb, at least until Matt proves he is healthy.

[DrungoHazewood]

Maybe they don't even see him as a catcher. He's played some first, he could DH. He only caught 15 games out of 70+ last year. He could be a guy who showed some promise with the bat, got beat up trying to do it every day, and might regain his stroke if he doesn't have to squat.

[Redskins Rick]

Maybe they don't even see him as a catcher. He's played some first, he could DH. He only caught 15 games out of 70+ last year. He could be a guy who showed some promise with the bat, got beat up trying to do it every day, and might regain his stroke if he doesn't have to squat.

Like a BJ Surhoff type.

[Enjoy Terror]

Maybe this says something about Wieters being ready for Opening Day. Sounds like insurance to me.

[DrungoHazewood]

Like a BJ Surhoff type.

I'm just guessing, I have no inside information, but maybe.

[weams]

I'm just guessing, I have no inside information, but maybe.

Those hamate surgeries sap strength for almost two years as well.

[weams]

Maybe this says something about Wieters being ready for Opening Day. Sounds like insurance to me.

I don't see him as a real catcher. I think maybe a third catcher. We'll see.