Barajas

(Source: The New York Times)

When the Phillies signed Rod Barajas for the start of the 2007 season it looked like a sound move. They weren't sure if Carlos Ruiz could be a starting catcher yet, so they figured a solid veteran like Barajas could do a good job and keep the seat warm until Ruiz was ready. Things didn't work out that well. By late June or so, Chris Coste was back from the minors and sharing the job with Ruiz and Barajas was on the bench and then the DL after only hitting .230 with 4 HRs and 10 RBIs in 48 games.

Barajas was also a part of maybe the single worst defensive play  by a catcher I've ever seen, where he chose not to block the plate on a deciding play in the game, allowing Hanley Ramirez to score the tying run. And then Brett Myers, who was closing at the time, injured his arm a few pitches later, pitches he should not have had to throw, and missed the next several months of season.

Barajas_plate

Barajas leaves the 5-hole open for Ramirez (Source: Wall Street Journal)

Since departing Barajas has been a Phillie-killer of sorts similar to fellow 2007 disappointment, Wes Helms. His career average is .239 with 98 career HRs, yet in about 7 games vs the Phils since 2008 he has batted .577 with 6 HRs and 14 RBIs. Now there's yet another reason to hate the Mets.