Remember Ryan Lavarnway?
In case you need a refresher, he was a catcher in the Red Sox organization from 2011-14. At one point during his time in Triple-A Pawtucket, Lavarnway was regarded as one of the best power-hitting prospects in the International League. He was Boston's No. 9 ranked prospect entering the 2012 season.
But Lavarnway never panned out the way the Red Sox hoped he would. Since they designated him for assignment in 2014, Lavarnway has been a member of the Orioles, Braves, Athletics, Pirates, Yankees, and now the Reds as of a day ago.
Friday night marked Lavarnway's first start in a Reds uniform, and he didn't waste his opportunity. The 31-year-old went 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs, and six RBI. He's the first Reds catcher to tally three hits, two homers, and six RBI in a game since the legendary Johnny Bench did it in 1973.
It's unfortunate that things didn't work out for Lavarnway in Boston, but by the looks of it, he has a real chance at revitalizing his career in Cincinnati. Any time you can put yourself in the same category as Johnny Bench, you're on the right track.
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