Inasmuch as one can be excited about back-up-back-up catchers making it through waivers so that they can struggle to find playing time at AAA, I’m pretty excited. Today, Max Ramirez cleared waivers, and the Chicago Cubs outrighted him to AAA Iowa. Ramirez will split time behind the plate with Welington Castillo (you know, that other guy that isn’t Koyie Hill), and will probably pick up some at bats at first base, when possible.
Being able to keep Ramirez gives the Cubs options should Koyie Hill prove to be an ineffective back-up catcher (insert question about how much “proof” is necessary) or if there’s an injury to Hill or starter Geovany Soto. Ramirez’s presence would allow the Cubs to continue starting Castillo at AAA, should they so desire.
He could also prove a semi-valuable trading chip if his bat does enough at AAA, and enough catching-deprived teams get desperate.