When Boston signed Jason Varitek to a four-year contract, PawSox catching prospect Kelly Shoppach knew what was coming.

01:00 AM EST on Sunday, January 29, 2006

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PAWTUCKET -- When Jason Varitek signed a four-year deal with the Red Sox before last season, Kelly Shoppach knew it was only a matter of time before he was traded.

He was almost dealt to the Colorado Rockies on the last day of the trading deadline in July, but that deal fell through in the 11th hour. On Friday, however, he was part of the trade with the Cleveland Indians that brought outfielder Coco Crisp to the Red Sox.

Shoppach, 25, signed with Boston as a second-round selection in the 2001 first-year player draft and was immediately considered the future backstop for the Red Sox. A defensive specialist with a cannon for an arm, he is changing organizations for the first time in his career.

"My initial reaction, I don't want to use the word 'hurt,' but they are the only people I've known," he said. "Boston treated me wonderfully while I was here and gave me an opportunity to play. But this opportunity with Cleveland may have more of an upside for my immediate future. Maybe I'll have more of a chance to play now, whereas with the Red Sox having a great catcher like Varitek, it would have taken me a while to get in there. The change of scenery will be good for me."

Shoppach had his first taste of the big leagues last season when he was twice called up to Boston, including in the playoffs. During that brief stint he went 0-for-15 in 9 games. He began his professional career in Sarasota in 2002, spent 2003 in Double-A Portland and was the starting catcher for the PawSox for the last two seasons and was named an International League All-Star both years in Pawtucket. He had career-highs in home runs (26) and RBI (75) for the PawSox last season

With the Indians, he'll have a chance to work with manager Eric Wedge, a former major-league catcher. Shoppach will battle Einar Diaz and Tim Laker to back up starting catcher Victor Martinez.

Shoppach was able to watch and learn from Varitek during his brief stint in Boston.

"We didn't have a lot of communication," he said. "Just by watching him go about his business, how he prepared for games, he's a great one. You can't help but learn when you're around him."

Because Shoppach's name has been mentioned in trades in the past, he has been able to block out the distractions. With three weeks to go before spring training, it is easy for him to turn the page to the next chapter in his career.

"I've had some time to prepare," he said. "But I'm excited about it and it won't take me long to flip on the switch, this is a year for me to do more and get better."

Because the deal between the Red Sox and the Indians was completed late Friday night, news of Shoppach's departure quickly made its way around McCoy Stadium yesterday during the PawSox' annual Hot Stove Party. During a question-and-answer session with some of the players, one youngster asked Shoppach about leaving.

"My time in Pawtucket was special," said Shoppach. "The fans embraced me as a person and a player. You can't ask for any place better, the (PawSox) organization is first-class from Ben Mondor, Mike Tamburro and Daryl Jasper, everybody. It is a special place and that's what I'm going to miss most. The fans were wonderful."

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340