Veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski has agreed to a one-year deal with the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, according to sources.
The Red Sox needed a veteran to catch their championship team, and ultimately they liked the idea of a Pierzynski, an excellent offensive catcher who has respected game-calling skills, handling their staff.
In the end, they probably needed to either sign Pierzynski or bring back Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was a part of their championsip team last year. Early on, they offered a two-year deal to Salty.
Boston was always hesitant to do a very long deal with a catcher as it is has two very good catching prospects, in Blake Swihart and Christian Vazquez, who could be ready fairly quickly. The Red Sox have a strong backup in David Ross.
The Twins, Marlins and White Sox are among teams still looking for a catcher, so Saltalamacchia has a few options.
Boston was always hesitant to do a very long deal with a catcher as it is has two very good catching prospects, in Blake Swihart and Christian Vazquez, who could be ready fairly quickly. The Red Sox have a strong backup in David Ross.
The Twins, Marlins and White Sox are among teams still looking for a catcher, so Saltalamacchia has a few options.
Don't hate this decision at all. Pierzynski can give us everything (and more) that Salty gave us, and he would accept a 1 year deal, which is all we need with our prospect situation. Salty's stock is high so he can go get a contract for more than he's actually worth. Win/Win for both sides.
The worst thing a team can do after winning a World Series is get complacent and not make any moves. Am I a little sad to see those white boy jerry curls go play for another team? Yes, but heartbroken? Nope. And I have a feeling that AJ's going to put about 10-15 HR's around Pesky's Pole next year.
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