DALLAS - When the Twins signed Ryan Doumit as a free agent -- a versatile player who has catching in his toolbox -- it appeared that Drew Butera's time as Joe Mauer's backup was near an end.
Not so fast.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, taking his turn during the annual managers' news conferences at the winter meetings, laid out a likely scenario is which Mauer, Doumit and Butera are on the Opening Day roster.
"We could actually go with three catchers," Gardenhire said.
With Doumit around, Gardenhire can use Mauer at first base or as the designated hitter on the days he doesn't catch. Doumit, a career .271 hitter, can start at catcher those days, with Butera able to replace Doumit if he gets injured or as a late-inning defensive player.
Doumit is not strong defensively, which makes having Butera around necessary. Butera is not strong offensively; he has batted .178 in 142 major league games during the times Mauer has been injured.
Doumit can also play first and right field. He is essentially taking Jim Thome's spot on the roster. What the Twins lose in Hall of Fame part-time power they gain in versatility.
"It gives more options with Mauer on the days I don't play him," Gardenhire said. "We'll see how it all breaks down. If one of your catchers is a position player that can go other places like outfield and first base, then it's actually kind of a bonus to be able to have three."
