Email a copy of 'Free Agent Stock Watch: A.J. Pierzynski' to a friend
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By Steve Adams | at
Email a copy of 'Free Agent Stock Watch: A.J. Pierzynski' to a friend
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Patrick OKennedy
Marty Barrett!
lug
Yeah whatever happened to him? He wasn’t that good a player and had a punch that resembled my mother’s. Prolly selling insurance these days.
Patrick OKennedy
Marty never was much more than a platoon type catcher, but he landed one on Punkzynski’s jaw. Your mother packs a pretty good punch! Very satisfying moment!
$1529282
His name was also Michael.
Slopeboy
Like Carlton Fisk before him- it’s time to change your socks PJ! Boston would be a great fit for Pierzynski. He’s a grinder with ability and will do anything to win. He will make the Boston fans forget Veritek quickly.
pageian
He doesn’t strike me as a guy who’s going to age well, especially considering his position. One year would be wise, two years if you’re desperate, three if you’re clinically insane. So Welcome to Houston with your new 3-year contract AJ!
Jessamynn
Not that Ivan Rodriguez is anything even remotely resembling what he was in his prime, but I understand why the Nats were okay with overpaying him (in relation to his production).
I’ve seen enough of him this year to see that he’s very good at nurturing young pitchers, and if his presence legitimately helps Strasburg/Zimmermann/Storen reach their potential, I’d consider that money well spent — money going towards “protecting the investments”, if you will.
Obviously the injury to Strasberg throws a wrench in that idea, but it’s not like the Nats could’ve foreseen that.
Beauford
Pierzynski will be offered arbitration and will not accept because (1) decent starting catchers are always in demand and Pierzynski is a left-handed hitting catcher with OK hitting ability for a catcher coupled with a history of durability and the ability to call a good game and (2) the Sox will employ the same convincing technique as they did with SS Orlando Cabrera that is “we have decided to replace you and if you accept arbitration you will be relegated to the bench as a 2nd stringer.”
Beauford
AJ hit .169/.229/.200 in April but .333/.356/.464 in August and .342/.354/.461 in September. Some teams may focus on his strong finish versus his horrible start.But here’s the point – There are not 30 good starting catchers much less ones that hit left handed and who call a good game. AJ’s age is mitigated by the fact that he has never been on the DL in 10+ seasons. Catching is a premium position and teams will pay for it. Earlier this year Texas was interested in AJ but the Sox turned it around and the trade never happened. Instead, Texas gave up a former 1st round pick (RHP Michael Main) for 36 year old Benjie Molina who hit .240/279/.320 for them. As far as draft choice compensation, the 15 teams with protected 1st round picks would lose their 2nd round pick for a Type A free agent. And should the Yankees sign a Type A free agent like Cliff Lee or Carl Crawford they could then turn the worst defensive catcher in baseball – Jorge Posada – into a DH by signing AJ who would then cost them a 2nd round pick. If they sign both Lee and Crawford, then AJ would cost a 3rd round pick. Finally, as stated earlier, the Sox will tell AJ he will spend the vast majority of the time on the bench as the 2nd string catcher if he accepts arbitration. AJ has never considered himself a bench warmer and will absolutely not accept such a situation. He will be offered a multi-year deal not because he is a star, but rather because teams are desperate for dependable catching and there is not a big pool from which to choose.
bjsguess
1. That former #1 prospect was doing nothing for the Rangers. His last 2 seasons he posted ERA’s of 6.49 and 4.80. His K/9 rates were unremarkable. Maine may turn out well but to a team like the Rangers he was absolutely buried in their organizational depth chart.
2. The Yankees aren’t going to want AJ. They may have a crappy defensive catcher but it doesn’t seem to matter. Last check they are still demolishing their opponents. If they really want to go all defense, Laird makes much more sense. He’s superior defensively, will sign for less, and doesn’t cost a pick. Personally, I think the Yanks just ride it out with Posada.
3. Players will go where the money is. The WS may threaten to stick him on the bench but it’s a hallow threat. They don’t have anyone who is a clear upgrade. They aren’t going to shell out big money for a FA catcher or trade away premium talent just so they can pay AJ $8m to ride pine.
I do agree that he has a chance for a multi-year deal. However, it will NOT be for big money. If he exceeds 2/$10 I will be shocked. And if that is close to accurate he would be a fool for not accepting arbitration.
Beauford
1. In his short pro career, Main has definitely posted unremarkable numbers for both the Rangers and Giants. He has also suffered through a serious viral infection and a cracked rib. Even with these numbers, the Giants thought enough of this kid to place him on their AA team at the age of 21. They must see something they like beyond the numbers.2. Laird has a better arm but has caught 1,000 innings once in his career while Pierzynski has done it 9 consecutive seasons. The left handed hitting Pierzynski would also be a better offensive threat in Yankee Stadium than Laird. But maybe the draft choice will scare away the Yankees from Pierzynski. However, the Yankees will not ride it out with the soon-to-be 40 year old Posada with the hands of stone as their primary catcher in 2011. 3. Points 1 and 2 are merely ancillary to point 3 which is the central point. I totally agree that Pierzynski will not receive $8M per year. I believe he will receive a 3-year deal for $4M to 5M per year with Tyler Flowers and Ramon Castro handling the catching. If Flowers does not fulfill expectations, then address it again in 2012. Most importantly, Pierzynski will absolutely positively not accept arbitration. He will take the certainty of a good 3-year contract as a starter vs. a very good 1-year contract as a backup because of the playing time plus the uncertainty whether future money will be there for him due to the economy or injuries. Finally, he knows something that you don’t know – Kenny Williams does not make hollow threats.
redsandyanksfan
I agree with the other guy Larid makes much more since you can get him on maybe a minor league deal ad is the second best defensive catcher and he 1000 innings thing is wash because its not like Larid will be starting