Lavarnway beating down the door

From Boston.com By:Nick Carfado

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine loves what he’s seen from catcher Ryan Lavarnway, but he’s not quite ready to give him a spot on the 25-man roster. Valentine, who has managed Ivan Rodriguezand Mike Piazza, said Lavarnway has made strides in all phases of defense. Catching instructor Gary Tuck has given the youngster good grades after he’s made adjustments.Valentine said the decision on Lavarnway is getting tougher, but as far as giving him a spot on the team, “I’m not quite there yet.’’

It's good to see that Lavarnway is getting the love he deserves after his minor league stats combined to give him a .290 batting average with 32 HR's, 92 RBI's and a .939 OPS last year. With news that Salty has bursitis in his hip, Lavarnway could find himself in early catching duties for the Sox. If he can continue to improve behind the plate he could provide some much needed power from the catcher position.