Catching Options: Part 2

Another option for a catcher to be called up is Mike Nickeas. The 25 year old Canadian is a good defensive catcher who lacks with the bat. Nickeas batted .288 with 10 home runs and 55 rbis for Spokane. In 2005, he played for the Rangers AA team, the Frisco Roughriders. The 6-0, 205-pounder was Texas' fifth round selection in the June, 2004 Free Agent Draft after spending three years at George Tech.

Though, Nickeas had a disappointing year at the plate, batting only .202 with 5 Home runs and 24 rbis in 68 games, but Baseball America named Nickeas the best defensive catcher in the Rangers minor league system. He was traded to the New York Mets August 20, 2006 for outfielder Victor Diaz. Mike played most of last season in AA Binghamton batting .217 with 1 home run, 15 rbis, and 26 runs, in 65 games. He also played in the Arizona Fall league. He batted .196 with 1 home run, and 6 rbis in 13 games. His offensive stats have gotten worse almost every year since college. He could be helpful to the Mets in a defensive role because he is better than Salomon Manriquez.