MLB Free Agent Bargains and Busts: Is David Ross Target for Pirates?

October 2, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) slides safely into home plate to score behind Atlanta Braves catcher David Ross (8) during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Let’s face it, the Pittsburgh Pirates need a catcher.  Today, Pirates nation collectively holds its’ breath awaiting news that Rod Barjas and his option will not be picked up.

So once that is out of the way, the Buccos can officially begin their quest to find a catcher.  Unfortunately, it likely could come from the free agent market.    So as we checked out some articles, we found a potential name in David Ross of the Atlanta Braves.

The name might sound familiar, Ross was a Bucco in 2005.  The product of Auburn University turns 36 in March and has spent eleven years in the bigs.

Baseball Prospectus has a roundtable post predicting some busts and potential bargains in the upcoming free agent market.  (Although isn’t it difficult to predict a bargain if they aren’t signed yet?)

The players discussed are ones we have touched on this offseason and a couple we haven’t including a possible Bucco target in David Ross.

Ross gets some love in the article.  But CBS Sports thinks the Braves will bring him back.   It’s rather sad to think Ross could improve the Pirates, but he has put up OPS+ numbers over 105 in each of his past four seasons, including 133 and 136 in his age 32 and 33 seasons.

In his career Ross has a 39 percent caught stealing percentage.  Last season, he threw out 15 runners for a 44 percent rate.

The other players discussed are Kyle Lohse, Melky Cabrera, BJ Upton, Stephen Drew, Koyie Hill, Clay Hensley, and Francisco Liriano.