MESA, Ariz. - Ryan Lavarnway is new to the A’s organization, so you might imagine that taking off for more than a week for WBC play might not be ideal. The catcher is trying to show the team what he can do.
No worries, the A’s say. They’re more than familiar with Lavarnway, a former top Red Sox prospect. They’ve even tried to acquire him before.
“We’ve always thought Ryan would be a good fit here with the A’s,” general manager David Forst said. “He hit all the way through the minor leagues and showed the ability to handle a major-league staff on some good Red Sox teams.