We all know JP has to go. It's sad but it's plainly obvious. He's hurting this team. I can see AA keeping him as the backup and probably non-tendering Thole. I don't imagine has any trade value. Regardless, this is a pretty good year to pick up a free agent catcher. The large number available probably lowers the price too by simple supply and demand.
I think it's critical that whoever we sign be signed early in the off season, meet the picthers, review data and video this winter, and be there bright and early for pitchers and catchers report day in spring training to get a feel for our pitching staff.
From cot's, available free agent catchers this off season:
Rod Barajas
Henry Blanco
John Buck
Jesus Flores
Ramon Hernandez
Gerald Laird
Brian McCann
Jose Molina
Dioner Navarro
Wil Nieves
Miguel Olivo
Ronny Paulino
Brayan Pena
A.J. Pierzynski
Humberto Quintero
Carlos Ruiz
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Kelly Shoppach
Chris Snyder
Geovany Soto
Kurt Suzuki *
Yorvit Torrealba
Who's your pick?