Catcher Christian Vazquez has been as advertised since earning his first major league call-up back on July 9. The Red Sox, who were forced to look for Jarrod Saltalamacchias replacement last offseason, will enter this winter knowing they have a backstop capable of being the Opening Day starter, which lightens the load for an organization that must make several key moves to return to contention in 2015.

I think hes ready and capable of handling that (starting) role, Red Sox manager John Farrell said before Fridays game against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. I think what will be as important is who is paired up with him. Thats not to eliminate anyone thats here. Thats not to suggest who that might be.

Christian, I think, in short order, has gained a reputation around the league to be somewhat of a shutdown thrower with the aggressiveness of his picks, of his throws to bags. Like we said, hes a focal point for a team, when theyre on offense, to have to contend with behind the plate.

Vazquezs defensive prowess is well-documented. He turned heads in spring training in both 2013 and 2014 through his shutdown ability, showcasing an array of skills rocket arm, tremendous footwork and quick release that were enough for some to question whether signing veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year contract in free agency was even necessary.

The question with Vazquez, of course, was whether hed produce enough offensively. While a catcher can succeed in the majors with a defensive-centric skill set, theres still a certain level of offensive production thats to be expected. Vazquez needed to prove he was up to the challenge before the Red Sox handed the keys to the former ninth-round pick from Puerto Rico.

Vazquez showed improvement in the minors first with Double-A Portland, then with Triple-A Pawtucket over the last two years to the point where Boston was comfortable cutting ties with Pierzynski, who simply didnt fit in on the field or off the field. The 24-year-old has endured some offensive struggles since joining the Red Sox hitting .211 (34-for-161) with a .272 on-base percentage in 49 games but he doesnt look overwhelmed, by any means.

Setting aside the batting average, theres the ability to handle a bat, Farrell said. He can execute the small game. He can hit to the situation. Hes a very good situational hitter, including being able to sacrifice with great consistency.

I would say hes one of the more complete hitters that has come to us, setting aside the batting average.

Of course, Vazquezs major league success will be predicated on controlling the running game, handling a pitching staff and making necessary in-game adjustments with whoever is toeing the rubber. He has excelled in all of those areas since joining the Red Sox a call-up that kick-started Bostons youth movement and his continued growth offensively has given the club reason to believe he could be the guy in 2015.

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Christian Vazquezs Emergence Lightens Red Soxs Full Offseason Plate