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Last year, it was Stephen Vogt coming from dark confines of Tropicana Field and playing a big role down the stretch when John Jaso went down with a concussion. In 2014, the A's hope Chris Gimenez plays a role:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Athletics&src=hash">#Athletics</a> have claimed C Chris Gimenez off waivers from the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rays&src=hash">#Rays</a>. A corresponding 40-man roster move will be announced later.</p>— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/statuses/414104171705413632">December 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
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He's played parts of seasons with the Rays, Mariners, and Indians since making his debut in 2010 (last year he had 4 official MLB PAs). His career stats are unimpressive: .224/.308/.328 in 600 MLB PA over that time. It does not appear that he has an amazing pitch framing ability, either. A glance at Statcorner's catcher framing report for 2012 shows -0.2 RAAA, meaning he's basically average in that ability. Max Marchi's article on MiLB framing skill doesn't mention him, either.
In other words, GImenez is probably more of a warm body in AAA who can fill in with the A's if necessary. It'll be interesting to see the 40-man move, however. With the bullpen stacked and many of them being out of options, I'd be surprised if it came from somewhere else. My guess will be Pedro Figueroa.
Update: Called it
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Athletics&src=hash">#Athletics</a> have also released LHP Pedro Figueroa to clear a 40-man roster spot for C Chris Gimenez, who was claimed off waivers today.</p>— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/statuses/414125538806988800">December 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
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So long, Petey Figs. It was cool that one time you came in and struck someone out against the Rangers.
