Dan Butler

Butler spent a full season at Triple-A Pawtucket, splitting catching duties with Ryan Lavarnway, and produced his best hitting season. The result was a career-high 14 homers, and Butler maintained the on-base ability he showed at the lower levels, though he's not considered a strong batter. At 27, he's no longer a prospect but has worked his way to become a viable major league candidate that can handle himself defensively, while contributing some usable power off the bench. Beyond 2014, the Red Sox are unsettled at the position.

Butler is considered an advanced defensive catcher, with the requisite leadership skills needed for the position. His improvement as a backstop over the last few seasons raised his profile within the organization and prompted the team to add him to the 40-man roster. Offensively, there's still some work to be done. He's expected to work in tandem with Ryan Lavarnway at Triple-A Pawtucket, but his long-term future in Boston is unclear. The organization doesn't have a certain candidate to open the 2014 at catcher, so Butler has an opportunity to advance, but his bat might be hindrance. He projects as a backup in the major leagues.

Butler was signed as undrafted free agent in 2009 and has been working his way through the lower levels of Boston's organization. He's noted as a game-caller and has all the requisite tools -- good footwork, quick reaction, handling balls in the dirt -- to be a fine defensive catcher. Offensively, he has a good approach at the plate and hit .310 between Low-A Greenville and High-A Salem in 2010. The four-year collegiate is older for these levels of the minors, so he's probably not being tested by its pitching. His potential career as a major-leaguer will become clearer when he reaches the higher levels.