In a vacuum, I'm alright with this deal.  If used properly in a platoon, there could be some production and Shoppach has had decent success over the years throwing out baserunners.  I think most catching tandems are less platoon, though, and more about night games followed by day games/pitcher-catcher matchup oriented, so I'm not certain that the natural left-right thing will be used to maximum effect.

At this point, it's time to move on from Jason Varitek and I'm fine with that.  I'm disappointed Ryan Lavarnway won't be given much of a chance to win the catching job outright, but I do understand that he could use work on his defense at Pawtucket and being stuck as a backup behind Salty isn't the best way to develop him.

I just hope the Sox give Lavarnway a chance and a long look behind the plate.  If he can be a serviceable catcher, I think he can be a potent RH bat that this lineup needs.