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2008 Catch-and-throw backup catcher Paul Hoover is third in line for playing time following the dismissal of Miguel Olivo. 2007 Paul Hoover finally got a chance to play when Matt Treanor reinjured his shoulder. Of course, he only wound up getting five plate appearances, but he still out-VORPed Treanor. 2003 The smart money was on Hoover to get some garbage time in the majors in 2002, but Tampa’s inexplicable inability to move John Flaherty for anyone blew that plan. Hoover is your standard-issue Triple-A backstop: younger than many, reliable defensively, and not likely to make a team look like idiots for calling him up in a pinch. Signed with Florida, where Torborg likes to have a third catcher around, so he might stick. 2000 Leave it to the Devil Rays to find a catcher who can run. Actually, Hoover has emerged as a good prospect, and his rapid progress made LaMar feel comfortable enough to trade Cota. Previously a shortstop, he is already adequate defensively and getting better. If he hits Double-A pitching in his first attempt this year, his future looks promising.
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