On Roster Or Not, Swihart To Philly Deal Off

Blake Swihart (FenwayNation File Photo)

Whether or not Blake Swihart makes Boston's Opening Day roster, any potential deal of the young catcher for Cole Hamels is now a virtual impossibility. With Christian Vazquez on the 60-day DL (and possibly gone for the year with Tommy John surgery), Swihart has a shot at making the big league roster. This, despite Monday's acquisition of defensive backstop Sandy Leon from the Nationals—for cash considerations. Boston could go with a tandem of Andover's Ryan Hanigan and Leon—although that would provide almost no offensive punch from the #9 spot in the batting order. Swihart—while still honing his defensive skills—would be a clear offensive upgrade. Whatever the decision, it needs to be done soon.