CSN Bay Area

The A's traded veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki to the Washington Nationals Friday. Courtesy of The Washington Times, here are a few quotations from Suzuki's new teammates:

Nationals incumbent catcher Jesus Flores:
"I didn't know. I just know because you told me. Nobody has told me anything. Nobody has say anything to me about it, so Im just surprised. I dont even want to talk about it. Im just in shock. I didnt know we had a new catcher."Nationals manager Davey Johnson:
Flos still having some problems. Hes not back to where he was a couple years ago. I think Flo is probably his own worst enemy, because hes not doing the things he knows hes capable of doing. Well see how that plays out.

I feel like looking down the stretch run and in the postseason, having more veteran presence behind the dish was important. When GM Mike Rizzo brought it up to me that Oakland would move Suzuki, I said, Man, that would definitely bolster our catching corps.Former A's teammate Gio Gonzalez:
"He's a good guy. Great teammate of mine when I was with Oakland so hopefully he brings some positive vibes over here."Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman:
"I don't know too much about him. Supposedly he's a real good defensive catcher and he's been around awhile, so he'll be able to handle a staff like this and hopefully help the young guys learn some things."

"The guys we've had here have done well all year, but this guy is a guy that's supposed to be really good defensively. Hopefully he'll hit a little bit and help us, but I think the main focus for him is to deal with the pitching staff and throw some guys out and be a good defensive catcher."Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo:
Hes one of the best catch-and-throw defensive catchers in the game. I think hes going to take the lions share of the catching duties, and with his track record, his ability to handle a staff and his defensive prowess, hes going to add a lot to the lineup.

Hes got a great baseball I.Q., and hes known in the industry as a great game caller, great handler of a staff and hes much more satisfied with his pitching staff pitching well than he is getting his offensive numbers. Hes a guy who can mentor the young guys, but who we can put in the lineup and count on to be the guy for us in the near future.

Were going to have two pretty good catchers when Ramos gets healthy at the beginning of spring training. And well have a veteran presence behind a good, young player.

Suzuki gives us another top major league-caliber catcher. Read into that what you want. Hes a good option for us in the major leagues. Ramos, we feel, is a great young catcher and he gives us some insurance that were going to have a top flight guy there.