The Padres signed Gregg Zaun to a minor league deal, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock (Twitter links). Zaun and Rob Johnson will compete to back up starter Nick Hundley behind the plate. Padres GM Jed Hoyer also brought in Zaun's former teammate, Guillermo Quiroz, but the 29-year-old Venezuelan isn't expected to make the Opening Day roster.
Zaun missed the second half of the 2010 season after undergoing surgery on his right labrum in June. Zaun, 40 in April, should still be able to reach base if healthy; he has a career .344 on base percentage and posted a .350 OBP before getting hurt last summer. However, he has thrown out just 24% of would-be base stealers in his career.
Bill Center of The San Diego Union-Tribune first reported that the sides were close to a deal. T.R. Lewis represents Zaun.
Wow. Who’dve thought that Bengie Molina would be the last free agent catcher on the FA market. Seriously
Well most of the catchers that were on the fa market were back ups so to me it was not surprising to see because how many teams need a everyday catcher like Bengie has proven to be?
Good for Zaun. I’d rather see him on Rogers Sportsnet, but I respect his determination.
He will be back on the Snet come playoff time.
Hopefully. I’d also like to see him get a shot at being a commentator for The Jays.
If he called the games with marbles in his mouth he would still be more coherent than buck martinez.
Agreed.
definitely glad the o’s dropped Buck as a commentator. Jim Palmer and Gary Thorne are a a pretty good combo.
Four catchers now?! They need to stop codling Nick and take the training wheels off. And I know he’s a veteran, but a 40yr old over a 29yr old? Throwing out 24% of base steelers isn’t going to cut it at Petco. I say let the young kids take turns.
Not a big deal. Even with the training wheels off it’s not like Hundley is going to catch 162 games.
They’re just creating some competition for the back up catcher position.
your freaking retarded, and obviously dont follow anything Hoyer says
Maybe, but at least I know how to spell.
It’s a depth move…Quiroz and Johnson will be in AAA in case Zaun is hurt. Our best catching prospects are in AA and A ball
Best thing that can be said about his performance in Milwaukee is that we no longer feel so bad about the Jason Kendall years.
Teh ZAUNBIE
Ok. this is totally a one year thing. I bet if Pudge stays around next year, they’ll go after him?
Z GAME