One would need to go back nearly a decade to realize the last time the Dodgers had significant strength and depth at the catching position. Russell Martin was coming off back-to-back All-Star campaigns in 2007 and 2008, while A.J. Ellis was emerging as one of the most reliable backup catchers in the bigs. Plus, there was a Top 5 prospect named Carlos Santana who was revered by every rival GM across the league.
In spite of that, Los Angeles boss Ned Colletti traded away Santana to the Indians before the 2008 non-waiver deadline in what was one of the most scrutinized deals in recent Dodgers’ history.