METS LAND VET CATCHER SHOPPACH
The New York Mets acquired catcher Kelly Shoppach from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named (Pedro Beato 08/16).
What does it give the New York Mets
In Shoppach, the Mets have acquired a very solid veteran backstop. He does well against left-handed pitching, so look for him to form a platoon with left-hitting Josh Thole for the rest of 2012. Shoppach handles a pitching staff well, though starting pitching hasn't really been an issue for the Mets this season (aside from injuries).
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
In sending Shoppach to the Mets, the Red Sox have opened up more playing time for catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway. While Boston is still on the fringe of playoff contention, they would like to see more of Lavarnway down the stretch to further evaluate their catching situation moving forward. Don't expect much of a return for Shoppach here, though.
Fantasy impact
Shoppach's fantasy value stays the same, more or less, with his move from Boston to the Mets. The biggest potential winner here is Lavarnway, who could challenge Jarrod Saltalamacchia for the starting catcher job in Boston. Both have the ability to play every day, so the BoSox will eventually need to make a decision here.
