1. He learned from the best
Playing catcher isn't for everybody. You have to be smart and quick witted, especially to work with the Red Sox pitching line-up. Varitek knew the strategy like the back of his hand, and he was pretty hard to replace. I remember when Jarrod first started with the Sox in 2010 and there definitely was some resistance on both ends before some real chemistry happened. Varitek mentored Salty. He learned priceless lessons from him and you can see how hes grown from it.
2. He has the longest name in baseball
That's right, Saltalamacchia has held the record for longest last name in the MLB ever since the Braves brought him up from the minors in 2007. It barely fits on the back of his jersey, but a name like that is just music to my ears when said in a Boston accent. Sawltalamaahccia. Has a nice ring to it.
3. He's a beach boy
He's from West Palm Beach Florida. Maybe that's where the hairstyle comes from. He actually started in the minors with the Mississippi Braves and eventually got called up to play for Atlanta. I think we can all say that we're happy this guy migrated north, because he belongs in Boston now.
4. He's got heart
This guy never gives up. Throughout all of his frustration in learning the pitching lineup back in 2010 and 11, he pushed through and came out strong. He makes it look easy now, but he put in a lot of hard work to be where he is today, and that shouldn't be overlooked. You can see his determination when he's at bat, too and his stats prove that he's a valuable asset in offense and defense. Speaking of his stats, that brings me to number five.
5. His season >>>
Salty is having a personal best season with 116 hits, 40 doubles, 68 runs, and 14 home runs. He keeps growing every year and that's more than enough of a reason to keep him around for a few more years.
So, are you a fan of Salty yet? I know I am.
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