Need some second, third and 4th opinions on my catching situation.
Here's one guy that I have in the majors: Angel_Valdes
When he plays he's great, but w/ that durability, he obviously doesn't play much. My main goal is just to keep him rested, get him about 100-150 at bats during the season and allow him to be my regular catcher once the playoffs start. So the question is, who should I pair with him going forward. I have 3 options in the minors, and am not sure which one to call up now, which one to move, and which one is the one to sit in AAA as an emergency/injury replacement.
Here's 1 option: Stan_Arnold
Not the worst catching skills, but I prefer to have him at DH. He's durability sits in the 70s w/ a 61 health rating, so I think I can get more at bats out of him there. I've used him in some spot starts at catcher in the past, as well as vs the NL in interleague play and during the W-S.
From the minors I have 3 kids, 2 are ready now, 1 could use 1 more season development.
Option 2: Vincente_Parra
He's only 23, but mostly developed, so I won't worry about his projections (which mine suck anyways w/ a 0 AS) He's the best defensvie catcher at the moment, but his bat is so-so. Durability sits at 65, so he won't be able to play everyday, and certainly Arnold wil have to be mixed in more since Valdes can't pick up all that slack. My offense is pretty good, so getting a defensive 1st catcher doesn't bother me too much
Option 3: Don_Masao
He's only in his 4th season, but at 25, he's mostly developed as well, though he had significant gains in contact and vs L last year, so he's still got a little room to grow. Very solid offensively, but the worst of the bunch defensively. Not terrible, but certainly not good. His durability sits at 75, so b/w him & Valdes, they should be able to cover the catching load all year. He's also a switch hitter, which is always a plus. Would require me to use Valdes as a defensive replacement late in games, which isn't the worst thing, but wouldn't allow me to keep him as fresh enabling him to start as much during key games/series during the season.
Option 4: Nate_Rivers
Currently in AA, 4th season and 23, so he should develop some more this year. I'm leaning towards keeping him in AA all year, and AAA all next year, but if the general consensus is that he's the best option, I'd bump him up to the majors. Durability is only 63, so like Parra, he'd require the use of Arnold a bit during the season and Valdes a little more. I'm projecting him to get to about 85 arm strength, 75 arm accuracy and low 80s in game calling. So he's behind Parra on the defensive side, but ahead of him on offense where he projects to a low 40s contact, mid 40s power, 70 vsL, upper 40s vsR and a mid 70s batting eye.
So I'm thinking of using Parra this season, in combination with Valdes & Arnold. But long term, which is the best option? Should I dump Valdes at some point? What kind of contract demands will he make once he's past arbitration? Great player, when he plays, and a great ace in the hole when the playoffs come around and he can get in the game w/ regular rest.