Been looking at what is available on the catching market:

Non-tender:

Geovany Soto is the best of this bunch. Watched him for past few years as a Cub. Had an outstanding year in 2008. Seemed to be Chicago's answer behind the plate. But what happened to him is anyone's guess. His defense was never stellar and seems to be on a downwards spiral. Offensively he has lost his power and ability to be a consistent hitter. Though a change of scenery would truly help him but Texas proved that he is in decline. Maybe a take a flier on him for a year of 1 million or less.

Trade Candidates:

Nick Hundley never has caught over 70 games in a season. Defense is average. Staying above the Mendoza line is a constant challenge. No where near the catcher his father was.

Blue Jays, Mets and Red Sox have some interesting possibilities but just cannot see them trading with the Yankees. If they did we would have to part with a lot of prospects.

Carlos Santana is far and away best option. He has shown the ability to be a constant hitter batting .252 in 2012 with 18 home runs and 76 RBI"s. Defensively he seems to be improving but the pitching staff numbers do no support this, in my opinion. (With two catchers in the dugout, his defensive should improve.) His contract is a team friendly, owed 21 million for the next five years. Cleveland needs pitching, first basement and a right handed hitting left fielder. Would a trade for Austin Romine / Francisco Cervelli, Mark Montgomery / David Phelps and Tyler Austin might get the job done.

Joe Mauer what an addition. Truth is more like a fantasy. Simply put we cannot afford this contract. A trade for Mauer is more like a trade for a combination player going forwards. He will need to be a DH and first basemen as he ages. So would we not be in the same boat in the future, as we seem to be now? If the Yankees could afford his contract, this trade would decimate the farm system. What else is there to say. Other than dream on.

In house:

Austin Romine is an option. So far seems to be a very good defensive catcher. Prior to this last season, has maintain a .270 batting average in all levels of the minor league. Having missed most of 2012 because of a back injury makes one a little worried about his stamina. With no longevity or numbers to speak of in AAA hard to judge what one will get in 2013. Potentially could be the best choice.

Francisco Cervelli is an average defensive catcher. Offensively he is most likely the best option in house. He was the Yankee back-up for a couple years. Should know the staff. Most likely the best choice in house to be the starting catcher.

Chris Stewart (C-NYY) is a very good defensive catcher. May have had his best year offensively as a Yankee. Problem becomes how would he hold up over a season. Seems like the more he plays the worse he hits. Journeyman back-up seems to be his role in baseball.

Very obvious why Brian Cashman seems content with his in house options. Only option that might be better would be in a trade. Even the trade market becomes suspect. Only possible trade that might makes sense would be for Cleveland's Carlos Santana.

To me the best potential fits would be in this order:

1. Carlos Santana -- via trade --- from Cleveland Indians

2. Francisco Cervelli

3. Austin Romine

4. Geovany Soto -- free agent

5. Chris Stewart

What are your thoughts on a potential catcher for 2013?