Jesus Sucre Traded to the Rays: What the Internet Thinks

Yesterday, the Mariners parted ways with catcher Jesus Sucre for cash or a PTBNL. The backup-backup-backup catcher heads to Tampa Bay after playing parts of six seasons in the organization, including limited big league action over four years. The backstop was well known for his defensive prowess, but his offense left something to be desired.

Sucre’s trade created a surprising stir on the internet. He was never going to be a major part of the team, 2017 and beyond. But some of you are irrationally sentimental (like Anders). Others were looking for the organization to refocus to an offensive-oriented catcher (like Ben). Let’s see what everyone had to say about the move.

First, here’s a quick recap of the events that led to us saying “so long” to our beloved slugger, courtesy of Bob Dutton at The News Tribune.

Sucre, 28, became expendable Jan. 26 after the Mariners acquired veteran Tuffy Gosewisch, 33, from Atlanta in a waiver claim. The preference for Gosewisch stemmed from roster flexibility — Gosewisch still had one option remaining.

Sucre is out of options, which meant he had to clear waivers before he could be sent to the minors. Both players are regarded as solid catch-and-throw receivers who contribute little offense.

That option status was critical because neither Sucre nor Gosewisch projected to make the big-league roster unless an injury sidelined starter Mike Zunino or backup Carlos Ruiz.

Lookout Landing staff writer and tech wizard Jose Rivera summed up the general reaction to The Move That Shook the Pacific Northwest nicely with this little masterpiece:

Okay okay, perhaps there wasn’t a spot for him on the Opening Day roster — or in the starting lineup in Tacoma — but there definitely seems to be one spot where he is #1 on the depth chart; in Mariners fans’ hearts.

Or...at least some Mariners fans.

Another Mariners fan took to Twitter to clarify exactly what type of talent the organization is losing with this eye opening player comp:

Maybe it was that stat line. Maybe it was his brilliant pitching. Maybe if was his general innocent charm and love for the game, but this move no doubt caused M’s fans to get a little reflective.

The good news is that Rays fans already seem to be catching on.

But others were...sad about his acquisition?

I guess the big question here is: what is it about Sucre that has earned him this niche fan base? How do you feel about the player?