Assessing the players: Dinoner Navarro

Another day, another assessment, we continue with the catchers and this time we will be looking at the former All-Star and now MIA Dioner Navarro. Navarro was the catcher opening day, but as the season grew on and his performance continued to slump and the arrival of John Jaso, Navarro was sent packing to the minors where he still struggled. The Rays recalled him towards the playoffs, but was not included on the playoff roster, so he decided to leave the team (Rays actually called up Jose Lobaton to the bullpen to help catch). Technically he is eligible for arbitration with the club, but he is gone as far as the Rays are concerned. Let’s look at the numbers behind the Rays former catcher.

Navarro continued to slump this season, hitting only .194 with 1 home run and 7 RBIs. He scored 11 runs, had 24 hits, 20 strikeouts, and earned 12 walks. He also had 0 steals (never a surprise there), an on-base percentage of .270, and a slugging percentage of .258 (all terrible numbers). Navarro never could duplicate his one break out season in which he hit over .300 and was an All-Star. The average and power seemed to disappear from his bat and an injury this season just furthered his decline.

Navarro’s defense was solid in his limited time behind the plate. He still has a very strong arm and is able to move and block the plate better than Po-Boy can. But his lack of offense and depth of Jaso and Po-Boy left no room for the veteran catcher.

Navarro is gone from the Rays now. He won’t be offered a tender deal and will be let go. He will probably end up with another club quickly and help provide some depth for another pitching staff. Final grade: F-